The Enemy Did It

The Enemy Will Flee

Have you ever done what you thought was right, only for everything to go wrong? in Matthew 13 there is a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things, but the weeds sprang up among his wheat.  

This represents that the man did the right thing, honouring God with his life, and being good to others, he sowed good seed. Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with, it was the enemy. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we let God handle what the enemy has done. 

Today, don’t let the enemy’s weeds take root in your life. Don’t let him choke your good deeds. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. Keep believing, keep praying and keep hoping, because your harvest is on the way! 

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.’” (Matthew 13:24–25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which sets me free. Father, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Please destroy the evil weeds the enemy has planted in my life. God, give me Your peace so I can focus on the harvest that You have for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Fiery Trials

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

After some strange turbulent weather, it has made me reflect on life’s unexpected and strange moments. Sometimes, 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 strange and the difficult situations that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming. 

In Scripture we are told not to be surprised by 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 your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. Stay on course, keep the faith and leave the fighting to God. 

Today, if you’re in the difficult times, keep your joy and declare God’s Word over your trial. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and you will embrace the blessings and victories God has in store for you! 

“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 my strange and difficult trials. Father, I cast all of my cares on You. God, I give You all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Worship Your Dreams

After a year of lockdown, are you frustrated because a dream or a goal didn’t happen or wasn’t reached? It’s good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? Here’s how. If that’s all you think about and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that’s not balanced. 

Many times, we hold on to things too tightly, but when we let them go, that’s when it will come to pass. If you’ll release that frustration and not let it become the centre of your attention, that’s when God can begin to move. So, use the same time and energy to thank God for directing your steps, and watch how it opens the door for God to give you the desires of your heart. 

Today, remember God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He’s the one who put those desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed with trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are and with your circumstance! Stay open minded and trust God, because He has good plans in store for you! 

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing dreams and goals in my heart. Father, today I release my dreams and desires like seeds falling to the ground. God, I know that You have a plan for my future, and I trust that Your plans will unfold in every area of my life and lead to true success, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

It’s Your Imagination

If there were no limitations on your life, if anything were possible, what would you be imagining for you life? When was the last time you imagined God doing something supernatural in your life? Is there a relationship that needs restoration? Is there a business you’ve wanted to start, but you are holding back? It’s time to get rid of your limited imagination and focus on God’s promises. 

Do you know the only limits on your life are the limits you place in your mind, and God wants to do exceedingly more than you can even imagine! He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and amaze you with His faithfulness. But in order for Him to exceed what you’ve imagined, you have to at least start imagining!  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and let your spiritual imagination run wild? Begin to see in your mind’s eye all the possibilities for your present and future. Meditate on the amazing things God has done throughout history. Let that seed of faith take root in your heart. Hold on to His promises because He is faithful and able to exceed your expectations and go beyond what you can imagine today! 

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except for their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God’s except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I submit my imagination to You. Help me to see what You see for my future. God, help me to take the limits off my thinking, so that I can receive everything You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Making Up For Lost Time

Are You On God's Timetable?

Many of us have lost things during this pandemic – a job, house, relationship or even credibility, which may not have been your fault. I have good news, God knows how to make up for the things you’ve lost, not only during the pandemic but in life. No, you can’t re-live your childhood, but God can make the rest of your life so rewarding, so fulfilling that you don’t even miss what didn’t happen in the past. Hallelujah! 

Many of us feel like we’ve wasted years in a relationship that didn’t work out. But God can bring somebody into your life so great, so fun, so friendly, so attractive, that you don’t even remember the years that you’ve lost. You may have spent years in a job that turned out to be a dead end, it was a big waste of time. You may not see how you could ever get to where you want to be, but don’t believe the enemy’s lies. God knows how to make up for lost time by a better job, or with an unexpected promotion. 

Today, I declare God can accelerate things in your life. He can bring opportunities back that you’ve missed that will thrust you years ahead. Things may not have happened the first time, but God will always give you another chance. Your God will make up for lost time or things, and bring you out better and stronger than ever before! 

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” (Joel 2:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, my Great Redeemer and Lord. Father, thank You for Your promise to restore to me the years the locusts have eaten, the years that have been lost or wasted. I receive this promise by faith in Jesus’ Name. Father, we claim jobs back, finances back, dignity back and new relationships. I put my trust and hope in You, and believe that my best days are ahead of me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Dealing With The Unexpected

Dealing With The Unexpected

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. 

Abide & Remain

God Doesn’t Make No Junk

Our lives are like roller coasters, we all have ups and downs. There are seasons that are more difficult than others, when our character is being developed and our faith in God is being tested. Sometimes it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps backward. If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be inconsistent. 

God doesn’t want us to always have roller coaster lives. He wants to bring us to a place of stability and peace, so we can remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.”  

Today, if you will just keep abiding in God, by meditating on His Word and staying constant in prayer, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable and consistent, and you’ll embrace the life God has prepared for you! 

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I set my heart and mind on You, knowing that You are faithful. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my thoughts and my life. God, teach me how to remain in You and follow Your leading in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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. 

Divine Favour

That Thing Called “LOVE"

Your life today may seem to have no order and your future looks bleak. God says in Scripture that He has laid out plans for each one of us. When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right circumstances and the right breaks. He’s already released favour, supernatural opportunities and divine connections. The breaks you need in life have already been ordered by God, and will come to pass once you stay in His will.  

If you will stay in faith and go out each day and be a person of excellence, you’ll walk into God’s appointed favour. Once you understand these principles, you will get excited every single day! You’ll have a spring in your step as you think about what blessing is coming next! It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. Keep expecting. Keep believing.  

Today, stay focused on the fact that God has already released into your future everything you need to fulfil your destiny. Start declaring seasons of increase over your life. Declare that favour is on you and opportunities are coming. As you do, you’ll move forward into the divine favour and blessing God has ordered for you! 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NASB) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting up a blessed life for me. Father, thanks for ordering good things for my present and future. God, help me to understand Your goodness and favour better, so that I can trust You and follow Your divine path for me all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Spring Time

We are just a few weeks into spring – the time of year when many people sow their seeds. The Scripture talks about seasons of sowing and reaping in your life. In Psalms, it talks about sowing in tears and reaping in joy. That verse is saying that the sowing seasons are usually the most difficult.  

At times, it’s difficult to keep a good attitude when it seems like all your friends are being blessed, but you’re not. You may feel like they don’t work as hard as you do. You may feel like they don’t give like you do, or don’t deserve the blessing. That’s a time of testing. It’s hard to go through disappointments and stay positive and hopeful. These are seasons of sowing. If you’ll do the right thing even when it’s hard, when you sow in tears you will always reap in joy!  

Today, have a new attitude towards what God has placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God still has a plan to bring it to pass. Don’t give up. Your time is coming. It’s never too late! God is saying, “This is your season, your spring. Keep your faith stirred up.” Keep sowing because in due season, you will reap the bountiful harvest with a song of joy in your heart! Hallelujah! 

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for another season to serve You and sow into the lives of those around me. Father, I ask for Your strength today to do Your will, and keep a good attitude during the unpredictable time of spring. God, please help me in my season of sowing so that I can be ready in the time of harvest. Lord, I love You and bless Your Holy Name today. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

The Power Of Possibility

Same Power As Jesus

During this pandemic, many have lost hope and trust in God. God reminds us with this simple promise that “with Him, all things are possible!” Possibility is powerful! Possibility isn’t limited. It means you have options. No matter how you may feel right now, you aren’t stuck and you aren’t confined to your circumstances. No, you have a door of possibility in front of you, the question is: will you walk through it?  

You may ask, “Ray how do you walk through that door of possibility?” By placing your faith in Him. By trusting that He keeps His promises, and by being confident that He is at work even when you can’t see it. That confidence, praying, believing and worshiping will open doors, and allow you to walk through them in good times and in bad times. 

Today, meditate on the fact that God is still doing the impossible. He still has the power to restore broken families. He can restore lost dreams and work miracles beyond what you could ever imagine. Please choose to trust and believe, look for His goodness and know that with God, all things are still possible! Hallelujah! 

“…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and using me for Your glory. Father, I rest in knowing that my life is in Your hands. I trust You and believe You that all things are possible. I choose to walk in Your power of possibility, knowing that doors will open and that all things will work together for my good. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Praise Prepares The Way For Victory

End of Year Prayer for Your Finances


When hard times come your way what do you focus on? We can learn so much from the apostle Paul. He was deliriously happy and joyful because of what Christ had done in his life. Even when he was chained and shackled in a dark prison because of his faith, Paul praised God, and counted it a privilege to deliver the message of the gospel. He had His eyes focused on the prize of eternity!  

Paul didn’t let a bad day throw him off course. He didn’t get depressed when people didn’t like him or talked bad about him. No, he stood confident in Christ, knowing that praise prepares the way for victory! One thing Paul teaches us is that you can’t defeat a person who is always focused, happy and praising God.  

Today, if you are in a battle, if you need a miracle in your situation, follow Paul’s example – open your mouth, and begin to be joyful and praise God! Develop an attitude of faith, praise and expectancy. Keep your eyes focused on eternity, because when you praise God at all times no matter what comes your way, you’ll be victorious! Praise God now and for the good things He has for your future! Hallelujah! 

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps today. I set my eyes on You in the midst of my trial. Father, I will praise You because You are good, and I trust that no matter what, today I choose joy instead of sorrow, good instead of bad and praise instead of negativity. God, thank You for working in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

He Is Risen The Day After

On the Monday, the day after Christ rose from the grave, “Jesus is Risen” were the words on everyone’s lips. For many, that was a reason to celebrate, not only on that day but every day! Because He is risen, we can rise up too in every area of life. We can have victory over sin and death, and embrace eternal and abundant life! 

The main importance of Christ’s resurrection is it gives mankind a new beginning, and greater hope for the future. When we embrace the resurrection and receive Christ as Lord and Saviour, believing He died for our sins and was raised from the dead, that’s when life begins! Hallelujah! 

Today, know that God loves you and receives you just the way you are. If you need a new beginning, there’s no better time than right now. Call on Him, receive Him by faith and join with us to celebrate His resurrection! 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I receive the new beginning in my life that Your resurrection brings. Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cruel cross and be raised from the dead, so that I can have abundant life and eternal life. I embrace and accept this new season, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Believe

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.

Prisoners Of Hope

Prison

Normally being a prisoner is not a good thing, but the Scripture says a prisoner of hope is a good thing. Are you a prisoner of hope? A prisoner of hope is someone who has an attitude of faith and expectancy even when things aren’t going their way. They know that God has a plan to get them through hard times, a plan to restore their health (including mental health), finances, dreams, and relationships.  

You may not be where you want to be today, but have hope because all things are subject to change. Scripture says, God promises to restore double to those who hope in Him. When God restores something, He doesn’t just set things back the way they were before, He goes above and beyond. He makes things better than they were before!  

Today, we have a reason to be hopeful. We have a reason to rejoice, because God has double blessings in store for our future! Don’t let circumstances drag you down or distract you. Instead, choose to be a prisoner of hope and positivity watch what God will do to restore every area of your life! 

“Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12, NASB) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of double. Father, I choose to be a prisoner of hope. I have decided to keep my eyes on You knowing that You are working things out on my behalf, and You will restore double of everything the enemy has stolen from me in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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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