Tag: Hope

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We Will Get Through

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

I hear this question over and over these days – are we going to get through these difficult times? It’s easy to get discouraged during the tough times. Have you ever gone through something that felt like the valley of the shadow of death? But I love what it says in today’s verse, “though I walk through.” This phrase gives us hope. 

I know these are hard times with sickness and bereavement at record rates, but know this – you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times! They are only temporary. Don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He will carry you if He has to. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of these tough places into a place of strength and victory! 

Today, why don’t you get a vision of your life on the other side of that trial. See your life without the loss and bereavement of the pandemic more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than before. Keep moving forward and keep walking through. Don’t stay in fear. Press forward in faith into the victory God has prepared for you! 

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life, I pray I will never take it for granted. Father, please continue to walk with me even in these hard times of sickness, death and uncertainty. God, I pray for a vision of the other side of this trial, trusting that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Renew And Rejuvenate

When The New Year Doesn’t Feel Like The Start Of Anything

Are you feeling tired or weary? Is there so much on your plate that you are constantly running to get it all done? There are seasons when we need to go the extra mile and give it our all, and there are seasons to rest and rejuvenate.  

Today’s scripture tells us that during those times when it’s necessary to be busy for God, we will be able run and not grow weary! God will give us the strength and power of an eagle. We won’t be tired, we won’t faint under the pressure of the task, He will renew our physical, mental and spiritual strength. 

Today, you maybe facing something that seems to be taking all of your energy? Wait on the Lord! Expect, look for, and hope in Him. The Bible promises that when you live with expectancy, when you stay hopeful, when you make preparations for the goodness of God, you’ll rise up higher. Your strength will be renewed, and you’ll be empowered to overcome life’s obstacles! 

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount to up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, good morning, thank You for giving me Your strength and power. Father, I receive it right now by putting my trust and hope in You. God, I know that with You all things are possible. Lord, I’m feeling tired and weary, please renew my spirit so I can continue to run for You, 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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How To Wait On God

6 Qualities of A Man Worth Waiting For

In this new year God has placed dreams and desires in our hearts. However there is always a season of waiting involved. You could be waiting for a relationship to improve, waiting on marriage, waiting for a job, or waiting to overcome an illness. A high percentage of life is spent waiting. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to wait. When things don’t happen in our time, we get down, discouraged or anxious. This is because we’re not waiting right. 

Today’s verse doesn’t say if you wait, it says as you wait. Suggesting we’re all going to wait, like a farmer waits patiently and eagerly for season change. They don’t sit around discouraged, no they are hopeful, positive and full of expectancy! 

Today, in the first month of 2021 what are you waiting for? Hold on with expectation and things will change. This could be the day, month or year that God turns it all around. As you wait with patience and expectancy for your season to change, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you will experience the abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life! 

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.” (James 5:7, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for this new year, I wait with expectancy for Your answers to my prayers. Father, I trust that You are working in my life even when I can’t see You. God, at the beginning of 2021 I put my trust and hope in You, knowing that You have good things in store for my future, 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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Breaking News – We Have A Vaccine

The search for the last 11 months has been to find an antidote against the Covid-19 pandemic. In early December there were shouts of celebration when a vaccine was found, and fear began to dissipate and faith got stronger. Do you know we have a vaccine, an antidote against sin and fear? The first thing many people would say is faith; however, the Scripture tells us that it’s love, for perfect love is what drives out all fear. Hallelujah! 

When we truly comprehend how much God loves us, what can we possibly be afraid of? For God is love. When we are one with God through a relationship with His Son, we are wrapped in perfect love where we can find strength and security. We can find peace. We can find refuge, provision, and hope in His love. His love knows no limits. It has no boundaries. His love never changes. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any more or any less. So let’s celebrate this breaking news Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 

Today, open your heart and receive the vaccine of God’s love made at Calvary. Don’t go into 2021 without it, you will be vulnerable to the pandemic of sin. Daily meditate on His goodness and faithfulness. As you do, those old fears will melt away. Sin will cease, and you will move confidently into the life of victory He has prepared for you. 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Oh, Yahweh, I come before You with a humble heart, begging for the vaccine of Your love. Father, please show me Your love and fill me with Your peace and hope, and remove the pandemic of sin and fear. God, help me to be an example of Your love for the people I come into contact with. I bless Your Name today that I have the victory over sin through faith in You, not just now but forever, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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You Don’t Need The Validation Of Others

Was Jesus a Real Person?

As we approach the season of nativity, some still don’t believe in the hope of Christ. Have the opinions of others caused you to water down your belief and dreams? There will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don’t set the limits for your life–you do.  

Today, remember it’s not what others say about you that affects your life, it’s what you say and believe about yourself.  It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my hopes and dreams. When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to Him through you! You don’t need everyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps! 

“What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Romans 3:3, KJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for another day to see Your goodness at work in my life. Father, help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me to see the plans You have for me, so that I can be empowered to fulfil my destiny. God, I love You and bless Your Name today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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What Is The Address In Your Heart Today?

Total Recall

What I’m really asking, is what are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If your thoughts are stuck and you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, then it’s time to change your address! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. It’s time to move out of the “nothing’s-going-to-happen street” or “I-can’t-do-it road”. It’s time to pack your bags and move into the “Ray of hope close” or “by faith boulevard”, or even “expectation manor!”

Every time you get a negative thought and you want to dwell in “nothing’s-going-to-happen street,” or “I-can’t-do-it road” instead, dwell on God’s promises, pack your bags and change address.

Today, every time you declare God’s faithfulness, you are taking a step in the right direction, and you’re moving from your old address (old way of thinking) into a new one. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. Hallelujah! As you turn your focus toward Him, you will start living in “Hope street” – a land where His peace, blessings and victory reside.

“…my flesh also will dwell in hope.” (Acts 2:26, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Father thank You for moving me out of “I-can’t-do-it-road” to “expectation manor”, a place of hope and expectation! God, I claim Your promises, I choose to set my mind on You, knowing that You are faithful. God, I release the past and invite You to fill me with Your peace, blessings and victory, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Set Yourself Up To Prosper

Shocking Report reveals 1 in 12 Christians are persecuted around the world: Six women were raped every DAY and 3,000 were killed in 2017

What is prosperity? Prosperity simply means thriving, vibrant and alive. It’s a picture of vitality. When you are prosperous, you have more than enough to give to others. That means more peace, more grace, more hope, more love.

When we “observe to do” what God has commanded, like it says in our text, we are setting ourselves up for success. We are engaging in His system of doing things; and when we do things God’s way, we get God’s results!

Today, decided to do what God has commanded. Invite Him to search your heart and mind, and remove anything that is displeasing to Him. Put Him first, because when you make Him your number one priority, you are setting yourself up to prosper wherever you go!

“Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Father, I choose to put You first place in every area of my life. God, I submit myself to You, so that I may follow You and prosper in everything I do, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Faith Gives Substance

Faith gives substance to the things you hope for. In other words, faith brings things into your life. Notice the verse below starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. It’s faith for today, right now. 

The basic definition of faith according to the Bible, is simply believing in God’s goodness, and believing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. It’s taking His Word as truth–right now. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, now? Do you believe He can provide for your need, now? Do you believe He can heal your relationship, now? Do you believe He can heal you, now?

Today, whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working for you, right now. Dare to believe that God will come through for you, today. Stand strong and declare that the victory is yours, right now! Let your words put action behind your “now” faith and receive His strength and power to see victory in every area of your life!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to believe that You are working on my behalf. Father, I trust that You have a good plan for me, and that You are leading and guiding my steps now. God, please help me stand strong in You, now, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Abundance

Connected By Praise

Scripture reminds us that Jesus came to give us abundant life!  It’s not talking about living in a big fancy house or driving the newest car. No, His promise of abundant life goes way beyond material things that this world offers. Abundant life means “life to the full.” That means no matter what is going on around you, you can partake of the full blessings of God. You can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless.

It’s easy, as believers, to look at that verse and think, “God is going to give me abundant life someday.” But, the truth is that God wants you to have abundant life TODAY! Hallelujah! 

Today, don’t waste another second living in mediocrity or settling for less than God’s best. Receive all He has for you by faith. Receive His hope, joy, strength and favour. Choose to live the abundant life today and every day!

“…came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for sending Your Son, so that I can have abundant eternal life starting today. Father, I know that You want the best for me. God, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You, so that I can walk in Your ways of peace, joy, strength and favour, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name! Amen

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Be A Dream Releaser Not A Dream Crusher

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

I spent the evening reflecting on the people God has placed in my life. They haven’t been placed there by accident. God brings people to us for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “what can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?”

Don’t make the mistake of going through life being ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else. There is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best.

Today send a quick text, tweet, or facebook post offering someone hope, or just make a two-minute phone call where you encourage someone, because when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive too!

They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.” – Genesis 37:19 (NRSV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Please Father, show me ways to be a dream releaser so that I may help others to rise higher. God, help me to use my influence to encourage others and honour You always, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it – and He could. But Christ didn’t say, “According to your need be it done to you,” He said, “According to your faith.” That’s why it’s so important to always have an attitude of expectancy.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow, and the more you will get through trials and see God working in your life.

Today, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you, and see yourself walking through trials, difficulties and experiencing divine peace.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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It’s Time To Change Your Focus

Recently it’s been hard to get motivated and to stay focused. We all have those days when we don’t feel very enthusiastic. Maybe you don’t feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life. Today is the day to change your focus! It’s time to set your mind on things above. 

Often, we settle for what we see in the natural – the earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive.  

Today, don’t give up on your dreams, feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: “I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory. I know God has great things in store for me, so I’m going to get up each day, starting today, anticipating the good things He has in store for me!” 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I want to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. God, please help me be more spiritually motivated. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. Father, I bless You today and always. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Is Thinking About You

Ever-Present Troubles, Ever-Present God

Day by day, moment by moment, God is thinking about you. He thinks about you constantly. You are always on His mind. What is He thinking about you may ask? He’s not thinking about all that you’ve done wrong in your life. No, He’s thinking about the good things He has in store for you and your purpose.  

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God’s thoughts are for our good. His plans are to prosper us and to give us a future and a hope. Do you know what else He’s thinking? He’s thinking about how much He loves you. He’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you!  

Today, let God’s love bring security to your heart and mind. The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. Take a deep breath right now and breathe in His love and peace, and breathe out fear. Let God’s love drive out your fear, and give you confidence to embrace the good things He has in store for you now and in the future! 

“How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” (Psalm 139:17—18, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for thinking of me each moment of every day. Father, thank You for the good work You are doing in my life, even though at times I question what You are doing. God, I receive Your love. Please drive out all my fears and increase my confidence. Please make me new as I meditate on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 
…

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Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams

Have you ever been passionate about a dream or vision, only to have it never come to pass? Scripture tells us that God has an appointed time to fulfil the visions, dreams and desires He has placed in our heart. Just because it has taken a long time, or you’ve tried and not succeeded, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.

Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things seem, if you’ll stay in faith, your God appointed time is coming. Hallelujah! Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it in there. And not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. 

Today, hold on to your vision or dream by declaring, “my time is coming. God is working things out on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and daily speak life over your dreams, you’ll see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you at the appointed time!

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time”¦though it tarry, wait for it”¦”(HABAKKUK 2:3, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises. Father, ignite my visions and dreams with Your holy fire, so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. God, give me the faith I need to hold on when life’s failures seem to get me down and rob me of purpose, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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