Tag: Family

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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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Be An Imitator

I’m always being told I look like my dad. When people look at you, do they see your family resemblance? Perhaps you have characteristics of your father or mother; maybe you have their eyes, or mouth, or mannerisms. We Christians should also have the characteristics of Christ. We should display His likeness. We should have His eyes, His mouth and His mannerisms too. We should study Him and imitate Him with the same awe that little children have when they imitate their earthly fathers.

Remember, the Bible tells us that God is love. We are never more like God than when we are walking in love—when we are being patient and kind; when we are extending grace and mercy and forgiving others, the way Christ has forgiven us.

Today, when you imitate God, when you do things His way, you get His results! And God’s ways always lead to life, freedom and blessing. The more you imitate your heavenly Father by walking in love, the more you will see Him moving in your life. He’ll open doors for you that no man can close, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!

“Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children imitate their father. And walk in love…” (Ephesians 5:1–2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahshua, I invite Your love and life to flow through me in a practical way. Allow me to become just like You in every way. Father, show me how I can be a blessing to others as I follow Your ways. Let my life please You, so that I can be an example of Your awesome character, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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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.

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A Brighter Day

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Yesterday was a dark day as I laid my aunty to rest. Are you facing a situation that seems dark? Maybe you can’t quite see what’s going to happen in the future, or with your family, or finances. As a believer it won’t be long, for God promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter as you seek Him. He promises that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter to a full day! 

You may ask “”Ray what does it mean to be righteous?” Righteousness is simply being in “right standing” with God. Being in “right standing” means surrendering your life to Him. It’s about obeying His commands and seeking His plan for your life on a daily basis. 

Today, no matter how dark things are, know that God has a bright future for you. He wants to show you that His way leads to a brighter path! I admonish you to seek God in all things and you will have brighter days ahead! 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me a bright future. Father, I know that You have a wonderful plan and purpose for me. God please show me Your ways as I put You first in all things and receive Your promise of a brighter day, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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

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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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Automatic Thanks

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

Being thankful is a biblical command. This will happen naturally as we allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts. Did you know peace is a choice? You don’t have to let things upset you. You don’t have to be anxious and worried. Peace means to set at one again. When you set your mind at one with God and His Word, you will have peace.  

Today, God leads us to peace. If you don’t have peace about a decision, wait and follow the direction of the peace in your heart. When you have peace, you can’t help but be thankful! You can’t help but have a song in your heart and a spring in your step! Choose right now to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, which will automatically give you an attitude of gratitude toward the Lord. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your peace that rules my heart. Father, today I choose Your peace, thank You for guiding my every step. God, I thank You and bless You for Your faithfulness to me, my family, and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I’m Going Further

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Don’t you dare settle for a mediocre life! No matter what’s happening in your life today, you are not limited by resources or family background. God has equipped and empowered you. He has blessed you with creativity, ideas, inventions, skills and talents. Today, call forth those seeds of greatness within you! 

Today, go further and dream bigger, declare that your best days are ahead. Declare that you are going further than anyone in your family ever did, that you are going to dream bigger and live better. No one can put a curse on you when God has put His blessing on you. So, walk and live in that blessing by following His commands and stay fully committed to Him! 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for blessing me and calling me according to Your purpose. Father, I receive Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God, please bless me to dream bigger and go further in every aspect of my life. I declare I will hide Your truth in my heart, so I won’t sin against You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Share Some Love

Love Your Neighbour

With many of us distant from family and alone in this turbulent time, it would be nice to have someone put an arm around you just to let you know that they care, and that you are thought about. Showing the love of God, being hugged, prayed with and sang to, that is the kind of life-altering love that Christ showed as an example in the Bible.  

Many of us use the word love to describe our affection for places and things, however biblical love is best exhibited when shown to people as Christ did. When we show the selfless love of God, this would let the world know that we belong to Him. 

Today, let me remind you that love is a good word and action, so don’t be afraid to use it or show it. Christ said that more than anything else, love will be the way that the world knows the disciples of Christ. With loneliness on the rise this weekend, call an old friend, tell your family that you love them, or do something for someone to express the love that you have for them. 

“Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me first. Father, please give me the strength to love others as You have loved me, and to display Your love for the world to see. God, please comfort those who are lonely and separated from family and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Trust In Your God

How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions?

During these times it’s easy to get discouraged with so many things going wrong. Maybe covid is in your family. Maybe you aren’t getting out of debt as fast as you thought. Or, you’re experiencing some challenges in your health or relationships. We have to be careful not to give up just because it hasn’t happened on our timetable. We serve a mighty God. His ways are higher than our ways. When we believe, all things become possible! 

Stop trying to figure things out. Humanly speaking there may not be a way, but that’s okay. God can do what men can’t do. Think about the children of Israel. When they left Egypt, there were two million of them. Then, Pharaoh came chasing after them, and when they came to a dead end at the Red Sea, it looked like it was over. They couldn’t see a way out, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a way. God simply parted the Red Sea, and they went through on dry ground. Hallelujah! 

Today, it may look like there is no way out of your situation, trust God to make a way. He’ll part your Red Sea if He has to! He’ll do whatever it takes to lead and guide you in the path of victory that He has prepared for you! Praise God! 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, good morning. I trust You, knowing with You all things are possible. Father, I will take my eyes off my circumstances and put my trust and hope in You for my victory. God, I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness to me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Stand!

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

In these times people are standing up for all kinds of reasons – against racism, against the vaccine, against voter fraud and the list goes on. One of the reasons people take a stand is because of poor choices others have made but other times, people have to take a stand to protect what is right. 

As you become convicted and you’re determined to fulfil your God-given destiny, and you’re taking steps to improve your life or make a difference in your family or community, don’t be surprised if you face opposition. The devil isn’t going to just roll out the red carpet and watch you fulfil your God-given destiny. He’ll do everything in his power to keep you from moving forward. The apostle Paul said this, “A wide door of opportunity is open for me and there are many adversaries.” I’ve found that anytime you try to go forward in life, anytime you try to make progress, there will be opposition.  

Today, with God on your side, you can stand your ground against the adversary! For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. So when you face opposition today and throughout this year, keep standing on God’s Word, keep believing in God’s promises, keep hoping in a brighter future. Don’t stop fighting the good fight of faith until you see the victory God has promised you! 

“Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of victory. Father, I have decided to take my eyes off my challenges and focus on You. God, thank You for equipping me with Your armour so that I can stand strong in this new year and beyond. Help me to keep on fighting, keep on hoping, and to stay in faith, 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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God’s Love Doesn’t Fail

That Thing Called “LOVE"

People are difficult at times. Maybe it’s a colleague at work, a family member or spouse. Relationships are complicated at the best of times, but remember: love never fails. The Word of God clearly defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. It says that love is patient and kind. It doesn’t seek its own way. Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. And most importantly, love never fails.  

Notice that this chapter doesn’t talk at all about how you feel. God’s love isn’t about feelings. It’s choice and principle. You can choose to be patient, even when you don’t feel like being patient. You can choose to be kind, even when you don’t feel like being kind. 

Today, no matter what situation you find yourself in, you can choose love. You are never more like God than when you are walking in love. And when you are walking in love, you will never fail, because love never fails. Open your heart to God’s love today. Receive His love, and ask Him to show you how to love others better, because love never fails! 

“Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your love which never fails. Thank You for loving me so that I can be free to love others. Empower me, by Your Spirit, to walk in love no matter what I may face today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Adopted!

Amazing! When we are born again, we become children of the Most High God! The scripture says we are “adopted” into His family. In the natural, by law, an adoptive parent can never disown their adopted child. In the same way, God will never disown you! When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become a permanent part of God’s family.

It’s a privilege it’s a free gift, and when you receive this gift it’s the beginning of a long life of blessings. Receiving Him means receiving all that He is and all of His promises for your life. It’s a process, but remember, God is the one working in your life, and He promises to complete what He’s started in you. Your part is to keep your heart open and receive by faith every gift, every promise, and every blessing in His Word.

Today, why don’t you become part of God’s family? He is waiting to adopt you. Receive His gift of adoption by saying thank You. Receive His gift by declaring His truth over your life and be born again. Receive His gift by obeying the Word of God. Put the Word of God into practice in your life and receive every blessing He has for you! Become part of God’s eternal family. Hallelujah!

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of eternal, abundant life. I accept Your free gift of adoption. Today, I open my heart and mind to You. Have Your way in my heart and help me to receive the wonderful blessings You have for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Words Have Life

How Much Does Your Life Cost?

Anytime we speak something, either good or bad, we are giving life to what we are saying. Too many people go around saying negative things about themselves, their family and their future. Things like, “I’ll never be successful. This sickness is going to kill me. Business is so slow I will have to close it. Flu season is coming. I’ll probably get it, I always get it.”

They don’t realise we are prophesying our future. The Scripture says, “we will eat the fruit of our words.” That means we’re going to get exactly what we’ve been saying.

Today, send your words out in the direction you want your life to go. You cannot speak defeat and expect to have victory. You can’t talk about lack and expect to have abundance. You will produce what you’ve been saying. With your words, you either bless or curse your future. Make sure your words are what God says about you, so you can move forward in the life of blessing He has in store for you!

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the ability to change my future with my words. Father, I choose to use my words to bless others, and to receive Your blessing in my own life in return. God, help me to be more positive with what comes out of my mouth, in Christ’ 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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Overcoming Fears

Overcoming fear

There are times in our lives when the challenges we face are many. Whether there are things happening in your life or to the entirety of the world, fears can get the best of you. This can make anyone too scared to take chances and live their lives to the fullest.

Overcoming fears that are holding you back is challenging and cannot happen overnight. There are a few things you need to be able to include in your life in order for change to take place. Here are five simple tips to help you start dealing with the things that scare you and hold you back.

1. Have faith in change

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind when trying to overcome fears is that change will take time. The fears you are facing have developed from experiences in your past, which have affected your life strongly. Trying to change the feelings these experiences have caused you is no easy matter. 

Believing that you are able to change these around is the best way to start this journey. While it might take some time, change is bound to happen when there is will. Having faith in your ability to change will help you see things from a different perspective. Through this, you will manage to keep pushing yourself forward. 

2. Focus on positive thoughts

Another thing that can help you come to terms with fear is focusing on the positive instead of the negative. Most of the time, being afraid of something will make you focus on everything that can go wrong. If you allow yourself to feel this way, it will be a lot more difficult for you to see things differently.

No matter what you go through and what you are afraid of, God is on your side. Instead of letting negativity impact your decisions and everyday life, have faith that something good will come out of a difficult situation. This way, you will be able to train your mind to focus on the positive outcomes and overcome the fear certain situations can cause.

3. Pray when you feel overwhelmed

The power of prayer is great and can help guide you when you feel scared and helpless. No matter what fear you are facing, praying about it can make it seem more simple and manageable. When you feel overwhelmed with emotions, taking a step back and thinking about it is important. 

This is something that you can easily do through praying about a situation. During that time, you are talking about your fears and worries to God and asking for help and guidance. Praying when your fears overwhelm can help you see things clearly and get the reassurance that everything is going to be okay.

4. Discuss your fears with people that care 

No matter what it is that scared you, talking about it with people that care about you is going to help you tremendously. Your family, your friends, and the members of your church are all people you can trust and ask for some of their time. Opening up about the things that scare you will make them a lot more manageable. 

In addition to that, you will be able to see how someone else understands and perceives what exactly scares you. In certain cases, they will be able to relate to your fears. Other people will be able to break your fears down and help you see just why they should not hold you back. 

5. Take some time off

If you find that certain fears are affecting your everyday life in a negative way, it might be necessary to take some time off. Something as simple as spending some time at home or going on a short trip can help you feel better very quickly. 

It is possible that the fears you are dealing with are caused by stressful situations in your everyday life. Taking some time to reevaluate certain scenarios and situations will help you seek new ways to overcome them.  

Facing your fears with the help of others

Facing your fears alone is a very difficult task. Having the help and support of other people in your church and your community is important. The best way to overcome situations and things that scare you is through finding your strength. God can provide you with a safe place where you can think about everything that scares you. This way, you will be able to think about them more logically and know that you will overcome every challenge that comes your way. 

Bio: 

Bridgette Hernandez is a professional writer and editor who works with websites such as TrustMyPaper and SupremeDissertations. Brid loves to educate her audience on the power of writing, and oftentimes creates blog content for platforms such as GrabMyEssay. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.

 

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