Tag: Israelites

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Do Not Sin When You’re Angry  

This has been a frustrating week for me, as I had to contend with health issues. Lots of ‘why’ questions led to angry thoughts. We all get angry. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to handle our anger. The wrong way will lead to more wrong and destructive things. Moses handled his anger the wrong way and it cost him the Promised Land. After Moses let the Israelites’ quarrelling and complaining get to him, he didn’t remind them of the glory of the Lord. So, God told Moses that he wouldn’t see the Promised Land, instead, the task of leading the Israelites into it was given to Joshua. 

Jesus handled His anger the right way, and those who took advantage of the poor were exposed and thrown out of the temple. ‘Jesus went straight to the temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling… now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus, and he healed them (Matthew 21:12-14 MSG). The Bible says: ‘Be angry and do not sin’ which means instead of just complaining about the problem, we’re supposed to do something about it.  

When we let our anger build up without dealing with it, we can end up letting all our anger out in the wrong way. Instead of letting it build up, we need to deal with it. When we begin to feel angry, we need to assess why we’re feeling like that, and talk to the people involved calmly. The Bible tells us that we not only shouldn’t sin when we’re angry, but we also shouldn’t ‘let the sun go down on our anger’. And that means we shouldn’t leave any anger unresolved. 

Today, we need to sort out issues with other people, and with ourselves, by inviting God into the situation and dealing with conflict in a mature and Christ-like way. Do you have any built-up anger? Take it to God and ask Him to help you deal with it calmly and maturely. 

‘Be angry, and do not sin.’ (Ephesians 4:26) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being my God. Thank You for caring for me and teaching me valuable lessons for life. Father, I seek to do things Your way. To solve conflicts and treat others the way You would. God, help me control my anger so I’m not offensive or destructive. Lord, teach me how not to sin, so I will be pleasing to You, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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I Feel Unworthy 

A few years ago, I accepted the challenge to assist the Mayor of London and other community leaders in fighting gun and knife crime. I started feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Do you ever feel inadequate for what you are called to do? You’re not the first one to feel that way! So often, 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 had a speech problem that made him self-conscious! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what 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 He has called you to do. Hallelujah!!! 

Today, what do you have in your hand? It may not seem like much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places beyond your wildest dreams. He wants to live out His purpose and pour out His blessings and favour on your life. So go forward and take your opportunity, don’t forget – you miss 100% of the opportunities you never take… 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I release to You all that I am and all that I have. Father, at times I feel overwhelmed and inadequate by the assignments You give me. I beg You to give me confidence, faith and the ability to do what You’ve called me to do. Please remove fear, any negative emotions or people, so that Your will can be done. God, I invite You to flood every part of my being with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory. I Thank You by faith, for using what You’ve given me in my hand today, in Jesus’ name! Amen. 

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Compromise: The Yoke Builder

silhouette photo of person near body of water

I never had a fight until I gave my heart to God. Since then, the enemy has tried to fight with me – to stop me, with a yoke of bondage, a yoke of depression, a yoke of low self-esteem, a yoke of addiction, a yoke of compromise. He tried to burden me down so that everything is a struggle. I was working hard, but I couldn’t get ahead because yokes were controlling me. 

Maybe you’ve been living with a yoke your whole life. It’s been passed down to you from family. Maybe you don’t realize it. You can’t seem to get ahead.  Struggles in your marriage, Your children won’t do what’s right, you have Low self-esteem, and you are lonely and depressed. But God said to the Israelites, “I have seen the affliction of My people, and I am coming down to deliver them.” Hallelujah! 

Remember, God sees every yoke, every unfair situation, and everything that you are struggling with. He doesn’t just sit back and say, “Well, too bad.” No, He says, “I’m coming down to do something about your situation.” You don’t have to worry. The yoke destroyer is on the way. God is saying, “I’m coming down to put an end to that struggle. I’m shifting things in your favour. I’m delivering you from addictions. I’m removing the burden and setting you free to walk into the fullness of your destiny.” Receive it today in Jesus’s name! 

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for fighting my battles daily.  Father, thank you for being my yoke destroyer today and always. God, I accept Your deliverance from all my enemies and negative situations. From now on I will acknowledge Your goodness and praise You for Your faithfulness to me in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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God Help Me, I’m Unworthy Of This Assignment 

clasped-hands-comfort-hands-people-45842.jpeg

Not long ago I accepted the challenge to assist the Mayor of London and other community leaders in fighting gun and knife crime. I began feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Have you ever felt inadequate for what you have been called to do? Well, you’re not the first one to feel that way! 

So often, 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 had a speech problem that made him self-conscious! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what 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 He’s called you to do. Hallelujah!!! 

Today, what do you have in your hand? It may not seem like much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places beyond your wildest dreams. He wants to live out His purpose and pour out His blessings and favour on your life. So go forward and take your opportunity, don’t forget – you miss 100% of the opportunities you never take… 

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

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, today I release to You all that I am and all that I have. Father, at times I feel overwhelmed and inadequate by the assignments You give me. I beg You to give me confidence, faith, and the ability to do what You’ve called me to do. Please remove fear or any negative emotions or people, so that Your will can be done. God, I invite You to flood every part of my being with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory. I Thank You, by faith, for using what You have given me in my hand today, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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We Can Do It! 

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As the Israelites got to the borders of the Promised Land, Moses sent out scouts to assess the situation. Ten scouts returned with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. However, two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others by saying “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”. 

He trusted God’s promise instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on Christ, no matter the issue. God brings us to a choice: Will we trust Him, or will we trust our fears? 

Today we must hold God in reverence, recognizing his sovereignty, authority, and His ability to protect us in any situation. We reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character. Your fear simply reveals a place where you aren’t yet trusting in Jesus. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Jesus wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow Him and learn to trust. 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You said that the righteous man will live by faith. Father, Mould me in Your image and fill my heart with faith in You. Guide my actions so that I can live by faith and have a life in You, abundantly and eternally. God, please cleanse my thoughts of all impurities. Keep my eyes fixed on You and You alone. Lord, help me be steadfast in my trust in You and Your word so that I can live right in Your sight. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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We Need Caleb’s Faith 

When the Israelites first approached the borders of Canaan, Moses sent scouts into the Promised Land to assess the situation. Ten of the scouts came back with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. Two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others when he said, 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”   

Caleb trusted God instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith some say, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on God, remaining dependent on him to see us through any issue. 

It brings us to a choice: Will we trust God, or will we trust our fears? And we reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character through His word and we understand the Father by following Jesus.  

Today Your Greatest fears simply reveal places where you aren’t yet trusting God. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Christ wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow him and learn to trust Him more. 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I believe, but help with my unbelief! Help my head and my heart to believe in you and trust in you fully, without a doubt, knowing that in you all things are possible.  I pray for help to strengthen my faith in you. Father, I believe, but I don’t always believe in your power and might. I don’t always believe that in you all things are possible. I don’t always place my trust in you, instead trying to fix everything on my own. I don’t always turn to you first, instead turning to others and the world for answers. Lord at times I struggle to relate the scriptures to my own life. Lord, Lord, please strengthen my faith! In Christ’s name Amen. 

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A Better Provision

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

Jehovah Jireh means “God will provide.” Hallelujah! When the children of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God provided them with manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t a permanent solution. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God allowed them to have quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a God of increase, a God of better and best. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store for us.

Today, don’t get stuck in a rut and think that your current situation is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change, adjust, make corrections, or try something new as God provides for you. If the “manna” stops coming, as it did for the children of Israel, don’t get upset or disheartened. Remember, God is Jehovah Jireh, He will provide. Just keep moving forward and trusting. Be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You alone are the just and faithful God! Father, thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. God, I trust that You have better and greater things in store for my future. I will choose to keep my eyes on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Living With Liars? ?

“I Was Calling God a Liar": Can You Love Jesus & Be Angry?

Today’s Psalm is about living amid relentless trouble and lies. It begins with distress and ends with war, anxiety, and pain. This psalm is a psalm used by ancient Israelites travelling to Jerusalem for a temple festival. These pilgrims’ journeys were long and difficult, and yet they undertook them gladly. They wanted to take this trip to escape the violence and lies that often surrounded them. This psalm draws them toward Jerusalem, to celebrate God’s truth. which brings peace. 

Often, we are surrounded and distressed by trouble on every hand. When that happens, there is only one way to turn, and that’s to God. The only way to escape the lies that often surround us is to turn to and meditate on the truth found in God’s Word. The psalmist says: “I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”  Hallelujah!  

Today, God’s faithfulness is clear to the believer who calls on God and seeks to live by God’s truth. That’s why so many Christians celebrate and worship the Lord. Because in God’s presence, there are blessings and restoration. Every time we approach God, we are stepping into the presence of the one who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). It’s time to leave lying, deceit, and distress behind and cling to God.  

Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. — Psalm 120:2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for being my truth and my way. Father, I’m often surrounded by liars and trouble. Please Lord breathe your words of life into me, that I may be protected from my enemies and restored in your presence. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day God has something amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.  

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day God has something amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Am Your Everything

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV)

In Scripture God is called the Great I AM – to many – the greatest title for God. Through this title He’s saying, “I am everything you need. I am the Creator of the universe. I am the one who spoke the worlds into existence. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way-maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!” Hallelujah! 

In Scripture David says “Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me” (Psalm 138). Do you feel like David today? Are you surrounded by all kinds of difficulties and enemies? Maybe you are tempted to just settle right where you are.  

Today, you need to get your fire back! Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on God the I AM. Your water when you’re thirsty, your food when you’re hungry, your helper when you’re helpless, your hope when you’re hopeless. He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory! 

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being the I AM – everything that I need to live. Father, I choose to focus on Your greatness today despite my difficulties and enemies. God, I receive Your provision and victory, 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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I AM

As we come towards the end a year of uncertainty, one person that is certain is God! We serve a great and mighty God who is in control despite the chaos! He is the Creator of the universe, the one who spoke the worlds into existence. Scripture says He is the Great I AM, and He’s saying today, “I am everything you need. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!” Hallelujah!  

In the Psalms David says, “Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me.” Maybe you feel like David today.  

Today, you may be surrounded by all kinds of difficulties. You’re tempted to just settle right where you are. No, it’s time to get your fire back! Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on how big your God is! He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory! 

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my certainty in the midst of all this uncertainty. Father, I declare today that I will focus on Your greatness. God, thank You for the reminder that You are in control – my I AM – my everything that I need to live the life of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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On This Day

What Do Others See?

Friend, today God wants to release His blessings and favour in your life in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend, a great business person. He is saying to us what He said in today’s verse, “This day, I’m going to begin to make your name great.”

I love the promise that God gave to Joshua. He said, “Joshua, today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” He was saying, “during the next 24 hours, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. 

Today, God says based upon Joshua 4, “He is going to begin to bless you in a new way. He will open doors that no man can shut.” Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day, God has something special and amazing in store for you! 

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I bless You. You alone are worthy of all my glory and honour. Father, thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessings on me. Almighty God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God I’m Ready For My Shift!

God I’m Ready For My Shift!

I declare that a shift is coming in your life and in your circumstances. Whatever you need in your health, in your finances, or in your relationship. It may not look like anything is happening, but we serve a mighty God. He’s about to speak in your direction in a new way!

Like God told the Israelites, the enemies you have seen in the past, or even today, you will see no more. The addictions or bad habits that have held you back can be broken, in Jesus’ Name. God’s favour is being released in a new way that will propel you forward. What should have taken years to accomplish, God is going to do in a split second!

Today, I declare your shift is accelerated in Jesus’ Name. The shift means going beyond where you could go on your own. The shift is seeing Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond. Now, our attitude should be, “God, I’m ready. I’m taking the limits off of You. I’m enlarging my vision. I may not see a way, but I know You have a way. I declare I’m coming into a shift!” Hallelujah!

“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.”

(Job 22:28, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You. Father, I declare that a supernatural shift is coming my way. God, I receive Your Word, I receive Your truth, and I receive the increase You have in store for me, and today I walk in my declaration, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick.

 

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