Holy Spirit – Page 16

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021

Take A Closer Look

Take a close look at your life. Can you see the “brand new thing” God is doing? Sometimes the storms of life can cloud our vision, but look closer and you will see the hand of God moving in many areas in your life.

No matter what you’re going through or where you are in life today, focus on the fact that God is working, and there are positives to praise Him for and get excited about! You can trust that God is doing a new thing and a good thing because He is faithful. His plan for you is good, great, and generous, and He wants to give you a future and hope.

Today, ask the Lord to show you His good or new plan for you. Ask Him to show you the new thing He is doing. Set your mind on things above and let go of the old negatives. Take a step of faith and change your focus, embrace the blessing and victory God has in store for you!

“For I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun!…” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Father, forgive me for not always realising it, even when it’s right before my eyes. God, I receive the promise of the brand new thing You are doing in my life even now. Lord, I open my heart and set my focus totally on You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021

A Faithful Servant

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.

March 10, 2021March 10, 2021

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.

March 9, 2021March 9, 2021

God Help Me I’m In A Dark Place

Does something you need seem impossible? With man it may be, but we serve the all-powerful God, and He can create something out of nothing! He can make a way when there seems to be no way, and open doors that seem closed forever!

The Bible says, “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” but before He spoke the world into existence it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Hallelujah!

Today, know that you are created in the image of Almighty God. There’s power in your words, and there’s power when you’re in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams today. Speak hope into the hopeless places. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because He will turn things around for you and create something out of nothing!

“Now the earth was formless and empty…and God said, ‘let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:2—3, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way for me where there seems to be no way in my life. Father, fill me with Your peace and faith. Give me a vision for all You have for me, and help me to always speak Your words of truth and light into my darkness. God, thank You for making me in Your image, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

March 8, 2021March 8, 2021

Praise = Faith In Action

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.

March 5, 2021March 5, 2021

God Knows Your Secret Cries

God knows those things that you haven’t told anybody about. He knows the secret cries and petitions of your heart. He is aware of hidden dreams placed in you. Maybe you thought they would never come to pass, or maybe you buried them because they didn’t happen on your timetable. Maybe, in the natural, you have every right to give up on your goals and dreams.

Don’t give up, be encouraged, God is still working behind the scenes! He still has a plan to bring those dreams to pass. All you have to do today is what Psalm 37:4 says, “delight yourself in the Lord” That word delight actually means to make yourself soft and pliable. It paints the picture of God as the potter and you as the clay.

Today, allow God to mould and shape your character like the potter does the clay. Allow Him to direct your plans and ideas. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, Get excited about your future as you submit your ways to the Lord and open your heart to His leading, He will fulfil those secret desires and petitions of your heart!

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You said the path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter each day. Father, You said no good thing will You withhold from me if I walk uprightly before You. You also said because I delight myself in You, You will give me the secret desires of my heart. God, I thank You today for these promises, and for being in control of my life and knowing what I need for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

You Can Come To The Father

What Would Jesus Do? Do You Really Want to Know?

Are you facing challenges in your relationships? Finances? Career? Does your soul need refreshing today? You can come to the Father to find what you need. God wants to refresh you. He wants to give you rest and peace. Think about that for a moment. What would cause you to rest? If you knew everything was going to be okay and would work out for your good, you would stop worrying and rest! Even if things don’t work out the way you planned, or on your timetable, you can trust that God will turn things around in your favour. Hallelujah!

Today, come to the Father with gratitude and thanksgiving. Thank God right now for taking your burdens and giving you peace through faith. Thank Him for loving you today and giving you a new start despite a difficult past. Thank Him for His faithfulness and hope of an awesome future! Please go out today with an attitude of expectancy and confidence. Remember, God always has a plan, you’re not alone, you can always can come to Him!

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You now giving You my cares, heartaches and burdens. Father, I thank You for working on my behalf and keeping me sane through some tough times. God, I thank You for loving me and setting me free in my mind. Thank You for giving me rest for my soul and peace in my heart today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021

Peace Is Strength

One of the greatest needs of this world is peace. When there is strife and contention, the enemy has an open door to move into your life. There’s a tremendous strength that comes to you when you choose to live in peace. That’s why the Lord commands us in scripture that we live at peace with those around us. When we are at peace with those around us, we are in a position of strength.

Being at peace with those around you doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone all the time. It simply means you are choosing to walk in love. It means you are patient and kind, not envious or boastful. It means you are considerate and gracious even when you don’t agree.

Today, choose peace over strife, choose love over hate, choose positivity over negativity. Beginning right now, make the choice to walk in the strength and blessings the peace of God brings when we obey His Word as He has commanded.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of peace which is strength. Father, help me to release any strife or contention in my heart today. God, I ask You to fill me with Your peace for everyone around me, so that I can be an instrument of love everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 2, 2021March 2, 2021

I Will Be With You In The Storm

Storms in life are real and unexpected. Maybe a loved one let you down. Maybe you’ve lost your job. Maybe a colleague stabbed you in the back. Maybe you’ve had a terminal health diagnosis. Sometimes it can feel like a raging river of emotion inside, God promises that He is with you. He won’t let you drown. He still calms the storms that rage around you!

In the scripture in Mark 4 what did the disciples do when they were in a great storm? They called on Jesus! They turned to Him when they didn’t know what to do, and He calmed the storm in their lives and brought total peace.

Today, if you are going through a sudden storm or an unpredicted situation you don’t understand, know that your circumstances are no surprise to God. He’s already prepared a way of escape for you. Call on Him, today! He’s closer than the air you breath! He loves you with an everlasting love. God, promises that He is always with you no matter what!

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!” (Isaiah 43:2, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being with me in the storms of life. Father, I will trust You even when I don’t understand what’s going on. God, like the disciples, I cry out to You in the midst of my storm, please don’t let me drown, bring peace to the storms in my life today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

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.

February 26, 2021September 30, 2021

A Brighter Day

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)

February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

Season = Ploughing, Planting, Watering, and Harvest

We are about to move into a new, better season. For me, spring is better than winter. God has ordained seasons in your life. It’s easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable. When that happens, we have to submit our plans to Him and trust that He has a better plan. Understand that in God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest.

Every season is important and contributes to the harvest. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. And sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase, but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. It’s during the plowing seasons when God’s bringing issues to light that we need to deal with.

Today, God is getting us prepared for life’s promotions. If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard, it’s just a season change. So keep ploughing by speaking the Word daily. Keep watering by praying and claiming God’s promises. As you do your dreams will come true, and you will receive the harvest God promised you!

“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 Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. Father, I trust that my harvest time of increase is coming, and I choose to remain faithful while planting, ploughing and watering. God, I submit all my ways to You today, trusting that You have the best plan for my life. Almighty God, I love You and praise Your name today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

February 24, 2021February 24, 2021

Time To Move Forward

Life is not always fair. In fact, God warns us of just the opposite! People aren’t perfect; we all make mistakes and bad decisions. You may have hurt or been hurt by others in the past, but what’s most important is how you choose to deal with that hurt. If you harbour hurt and offences, it keeps you stuck in the past. It only causes harm in your life.

If you want to move forward in joy and peace, you have to choose forgiveness, love and positivity. Yes, forgiveness is a choice, and it has nothing to do with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is the choice to hand your hurts over to God and let Him make the difference.

Today, if we choose to extend forgiveness, that’s when we choose to receive God’s forgiveness! Begin right now by forgiving yourself and others. Choose His way, choose forgiveness, and choose to move forward in the blessing and victory God has prepared for you!

“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” (Mark 11:26, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for forgiving me and giving me the gift of forgiveness. Father, I open my heart and mind to You. Please help me understand Your truth about forgiveness so that I can be set free. God, I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021

Be A Victor

Spiritual Maturity: Steps to Growing as a Disciple of Christ

We all need more joy, victory and confidence during these uncertain times. The Bible tells us that what we think about, we will become. You might need to evaluate what you are thinking about on a daily basis. If you go around thinking things like, “I’m just average,” “I’ve already reached my limits,” or “I’ve missed so many good opportunities,” then those thoughts are going to drag you down and hold you back.

When you think thoughts of success, victory, joy and peace, your life will be filled with success, victory, joy and peace. It doesn’t matter what’s going on around you when the greater One lives in you!

Today, and every morning when you wake up, start your day with thoughts of hope and success. Determine to be a victor! You are an overcomer through Christ. Set your mind on victory and move forward into the victory God has for you!

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Psalm 118:14, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of another day! Father, today I choose to be a victor and focus on Your goodness and grace. Holy Spirit, help me to stay focused on the blessings and favour You have for me, please renew my mind from defeated to victorious, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Blessings While We Sleep

In this day and age with viruses increasing daily and lock down lasting months, sleep is very important to our wellbeing. God promises to give blessings to His beloved in their sleep! He wants you to rest securely in Him and be rejuvenated nightly, mind and body. Sleep has great benefits – it builds your immune system, it decreases your stress and it increases productivity.

Did you know sleep is so important not only to our physical health, but also our spiritual wellbeing? When we are well rested, we are better able to deal with the trials that come our way. It’s easier to keep our hearts and minds in the right place, so we can stand stronger and make better spiritual decisions.

Today, you may be struggling with sleep, ask God to show you what you need to do to get back on track. Do you have cares you need to cast on Him? Are you worrying instead of worshiping? Has a spirit of fear crept in? Do you need to make better decisions about what time to go to bed? Remember, He said He will give you peace when you lie down, He wants you to be rested. He wants you to be rejuvenated and revived so that you can be the best you!

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
(Psalm 4:8, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of sleep so I can be at peace, revived and rejuvenated. Father, help me to cast my cares on You daily. Teach me to make it a priority to stay well rested, so I can live the life physically and spiritually that You have designed for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021

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.