Tag: Glory

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An Appetite of Diligence

God Wants to Take You to the Next Level

We serve a God of favour and blessings. He longs to pour them out on you. He wants to show you His goodness and provision. Your part is to be diligent. Be diligent in seeking His ways and following His commands. Be diligent with how you treat others and what you have in your hands, your time and your resources. 

The Bible tells us a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money. Two of them were diligent and invested the money and received great returns. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked for not being diligent. 

Today, look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hands. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile even when you think no one notices. When people don’t notice, God notices, and He promises to reward the appetite of the diligent. 

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your favour and blessings on my life. Father, I will be more diligent. Teach me how to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for my past, present and future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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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.

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Don’t Worship Your Dreams

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Have you heard the saying “what goes around comes around?” God has a system in place in order to bless you, and it works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out to others, it will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your own path too.

Remember there are people in your life who will help you reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along, for you to sow into. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up too. When you give generously of your time, talent and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success.

Today, what are you doing to invest in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead? Step out and sow a seed, not necessarily of money. Look for ways to help others. As you sow success, you’ll reap success, and move forward and upward into the life God has in store for you!

“Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT)

Pray With Me

Jehovah, I open my heart to You and the success You have in store for me. Use me to be a blessing in the lives of others, helping them become successful in You. Show me where to invest my time, talent and resources, to help others succeed for Your glory, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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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. 

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God Will Rescue You

While in Malawi I came face to face with a lion – albeit a blind one. Most people won’t ever literally come face to face with a hungry lion, but we’ve all been in situations where we feel like we are about to be destroyed. In the Bible we are told Daniel lived a life of excellence and the king kept promoting him and giving him authority, which made the other administrators jealous and angry. They manipulated the king into putting an unfair law in place that Daniel broke. 

Even though Daniel prayed, he still found himself in the den of lions as a punishment. How would you respond in that situation? I’m sure Daniel believed that God would deliver Him. I’m sure he hoped it would be before he was thrown into that den. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something and it looked like things just kept getting worse? Daniel trusted that God would work His supernatural plan for His glory. But he still had to go through the hardship of the lion’s den. 

Today, your friends may have turned on you, or you may feel like you’re in a lion’s den about to be devoured by the trials of life. Don’t be discouraged because God has the final say. Keep believing Him, keep trusting Him. He’s promised to never leave you or forsake you. He’ll shut the mouth of the lions that surround you; He’ll silence your accusers; He’ll stand with you in the fire, and He will lead you into victory in every area of your life. 

“Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20b). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my light in dark times. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, and trust that You have a wonderful plan for my life. God, silence those who seek to do me harm, and vindicate Yourself through me. Almighty God, no matter how things seem, I will put my hope and trust in You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Diligence Brings Rewards

Everybody likes a reward whether earned or unearned. God likes to give rewards He longs to pour out His favour and blessings on you. He wants to give you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part and be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and obeying His commands. Then, be diligent with what He has already given you, your time and resources. 

Scripture says in Matthew, there were three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents, used them and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked. He got no return or reward! 

Today, follow the example of the two men who used their talents. Look for ways to be diligent with what the Master has placed in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile, even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent! 

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the favour and blessings You’ve placed in my life. Father, today I will be diligent. I will strive to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for every reward I have and will receive, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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God Help Me Control My Tongue

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. 

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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. 

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The Seeds You Sow Determines The Harvest

Season = Ploughing, Planting, Watering and Harvest

Next to my home just outside of London there are two massive conifer trees. I often wonder how old they are, their trunks are bigger than the houses and they are as tall as skyscrapers. Have you ever looked at a large, old tree and wondered how long it has been there? It’s amazing to think that at one point those gigantic conifer trees were merely tiny seeds. In the same way, our words and actions are seeds. Our words may be small, but they grow when they are planted. We will always reap a harvest on what we sow! 

Scripture tells us that “we will always harvest what we plant.” Think about the types of seeds you have been sowing. Are you sowing encouragement, hope, blessing, love and grace? Then that’s what you’ll reap in the future. But if you’ve been sowing criticism, judgement and anger, you’re probably already reaping a bad harvest. It’s time to start changing your seed. 

Today, I beg you to pray and ask God to help you uproot any negative seeds you may have planted in the past, and begin sowing powerful seeds for your future. As you stay obedient and faithful to the Word of God, you’ll see those seeds grow. You’ll rise up higher and enjoy the harvest of blessing God has promised you. 

“Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, search my heart today. Father, show me any bad negative seeds that need to be uprooted. Oh God, help me, by Your Spirit, to plant good seeds for my future and in those around me. Use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Praise = Faith In Action

Faith can move mountains

One of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of praise for God amongst believers. We were created to praise God. Praise is powerful! Praise is putting your faith in action. Just as putting your physical body into action to make it grow strong, putting your faith in action through prayer and thanksgiving will cause it to grow strong too!  

The Bible says about Abraham: no unbelief made him waver regarding the promise of God. What does it mean to waver? It actually means to go back and forth. It’s a very unsteady posture. Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Wavering shows up in our words and actions. When you speak contrary to God’s promises, you are wavering and unsteady. Abraham never had unbelief or doubting thoughts. It basically says that he didn’t let it control him or cause him to waver in his words, actions and thinking. He took captive every thought and stood strong through His praise and worship! 

Today, take captive your thoughts through praise to God. Praise makes you stable. It makes you strong. Decide today to put your faith into action by thanking and praising God all throughout the day! As you do, you’ll grow strong and live the life of victory God has in store for you! 

“No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” (Romans 4:20, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I bless Your name and lift You up! Father, thank You for life. I thank You for breath. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and joy. God, I praise You for abundantly supplying all my needs so that I can be a blessing to others, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Miracles, Favour & Blessings

God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history. He parted the Red Sea, He stopped the sun for Joshua and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. It’s important that we give Him glory for those things. We often focus on what God has done in the past, but at the same time, we also need to look at what miracles God wants to do in our lives today! 

The Bible say’s in today’s verse, that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” is now and the time we’re living in. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah! 

Today, I dare you to believe, I dare you to dream big, and I dare you to take hold of every blessing that God has in store for you! Friend, God has greater levels of His favour and blessing in store for you!  

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4—7, NKJ) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your constant faithfulness in my life. Father, today I look for the greatness of Your favour in my life! God, thank You for the miracles and increase You’ve placed in my life! Now Lord, give me Your Spirit so I can use them for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Your Troubles Won’t Last Forever

Breaking news – your troubles will come to an end. Hallelujah! In this life, God warns that we will have trials and tribulations. The good news is that He also promises to deliver us from them all! Now, He doesn’t necessarily say that He will deliver us instantly, or the way we expect, or on our schedule.  

When things don’t happen the way you expect, it can be tempting to get discouraged, down and despondent. When you feel like trouble is surrounding you, that’s when you have to dig your heels in as the saying goes, and say “I’m not going to give up, because God promised me victory!” 

Today, if you are going through a dark time, keep moving forward! Remember, it’s always darkest just before dawn. That difficulty didn’t come to stay, it came to pass as the Bible says. Please stay in faith and keep praising and thanking God for delivering you. Set your hope in Him, stir up your faith, and keep believing, because soon you will see the victory God has prepared for you! Hallelujah! 

“Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the strength to overcome every trouble I face today through Your Spirit. Father, I set my mind on You. I set my hope on Your love, knowing that You are paving the way for my victory all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Watch Your Mouth

Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? I’m sure you have. 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. Scripture also says that when we guard our mouth, we keep our life. That’s because our words determine the direction of our lives, and wrong words can get us off course very quickly. 

Today, as we come to the end of the first month of a new year, it’s a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your mouth. Sow seeds of life by speaking God’s Word over yourself and those around you. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory and honour to God as you guard your mouth and keep your life focused and positive! 

“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, thank You for Your Word that I can use to speak into my life. Father, I give You my every thought, word and action. Holy Spirit, please help me to live a life pleasing to You in every way. God, help me to guard my mouth and keep my life moving forward in a godly direction and know that the wrong words spoken can lead to ruin, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Just Like Moses

In these tough times where our dreams seem to have been shattered, how do we accomplish what God has asked us to do? The task seems insurmountable in comparison to our ability. As you look at your life is there a feeling of inadequacy? You’re not the first one!  

When we think of Moses, we remember him as the great spiritual giant who led the Israelites out of captivity. But did you know that Moses doubted himself, too? He didn’t feel equipped. In fact, he was even self-conscious because he had a stuttering problem! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” In the next few moments, God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what equipment he thought he needed. The God of the universe can take what you have, and turn it into whatever it needs to be in order for you to accomplish what you’ve been called to. 

Today, God asks you the same question He asked Moses “what’s in your hand today?” It may not seem like you have much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places you never dreamed. He wants to pour out His blessing and favour so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’…” (Exodus 4:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for a new day, I release to You all that I am and everything that I have. Father, I invite You to take control of every part of me, please use me for Your glory. God, thank You for equipping me for the journey ahead. I trust Your Wor

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Accelerated Blessings

One thing we must never forget, our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all we could ever imagine! In this new year God wants to take you far and beyond what you’ve ever dreamed. He wants to accelerate you this year, which means He can bring you into opportunities that will make you say wow!  

Scripture tells us God wants to bless you abundantly. He can make your career take off like a rocket. He can cause you to meet the right person who will be the person of your dreams. He can launch you forward more quickly than you could have imagined! He can bring you out of debt and cause you to pay that house off even though it looks impossible. He can make you well even though the medical report says there’s no way. Hallelujah! 

Today, things may be dark and gloomy around you, but keep your head up. Remember you are a child of the Most High God. His face is shining on you, it’s not going to be an average year. It’s not going to be a barely-get-by year. No, you need to get ready because it’s going to be a year of more than enough, a year of increase, a year of acceleration! 

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20—21, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I anticipate my abundance today and throughout this year. Father, thank You for the promise that You will accelerate my blessings so this won’t be an average year. God, I choose to put my trust in You, knowing that You are directing my steps. Thanks for the more than enough, above average plans You have in store for me in 2021, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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In Your Weakness

The Holy Weak

Growing up, I used to believe that weakness was as a result of continued sinning in one’s life. Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage or weakness. It may be something about their personality or looks, maybe they’ve been through an unfair situation: a divorce, loss of a job, or just a bad break. We all have things that can feel like disadvantages, things that make life hard and difficult. It can even be a mental or physical disability. 

In 2020 you may have been “disadvantaged.” However, just because you’ve been through a tough time, it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to sit back in 2021 and settle where you are.  

Today and in this new year, God has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself strong in your weakness. The Holy Spirit wants to help you when you feel weak and low. Stay strong in faith, and let God take what you see as a disadvantage and turn it around into an advantage, so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you! Hallelujah! 

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26, NLT) 

Let’s Prayer

Yahweh, I give You all that I am – my weaknesses, my disadvantages, my emotional and physical pain. Father, I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can make me strong. God, thank You for working in my life in 2020 despite my weakness, and using me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

 

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