Develop A Habit Of Prayer

“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)


During these unprecedented times we have to be diligent to make time every day, throughout the day, to stop and pray and call on Him. God promises so many things to those who call on Him. He is always listening, He is always ready to receive us when we come to Him. The question is, how often are you calling on Him? A lot of times people think, “Oh I need to pray about that.” But then they get busy going about their day and distracted with life. But thinking about praying isn’t the same as actually praying. Knowing that you need to pray isn’t the same as praying.  

Scripture tells us there is power in agreement. When two or more come together in His Name, He is there to bless. One way to develop a habit of praying is to have a prayer partner, or prayer warriors, friends who you agree to connect with and pray together. It doesn’t have to be long or formal. If you don’t have a prayer partner, let Jesus be your prayer partner! Talk to Him throughout the day, carve out time each day to develop a habit of prayer! 

Today, start formulating your prayer habit! Open your calendar/diary right now and make an appointment with God. Schedule a daily prayer appointment in your calendar for the next few weeks. Then, choose a prayer partner or friends to hold yourself accountable and agree with. Make a plan of what you will do and your expectations and get started. Please give yourself grace if you miss a day, but then get back on track and keep going. Prayer will be the best habit you ever form! 

“To You, O LORD, I called, and to the Lord I made supplication.” (Psalm 30:8, NASB) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for answering my half-hearted prayers. Thank You for Your promises and blessings, and the awesome benefits for those who are faithful in prayer. God, help me to be faithful, help me to be diligent to keep You first in everything I do. Father, teach me to have deeper conversations with You. Send me praying faithful people to agree and connect with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

God Help Me I’m In A Dark Place

Tears, shedding tears

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.

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.  

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.

A Brighter Day

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

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

You Have An Appointment Time

Dealing With The Unexpected

A couple of weeks ago I called my doctor because I was feeling unwell. I was told to make an appointment and at the appointed time I would be seen. I made the appointment and waited to be called. I had nothing to do with the day or the time, it was given to me by the doctor. It is the same with God, He has an appointed time to fulfil the visions, dreams and desires He’s placed in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. You have an appointment time.   

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

Today, hold on to your dreams and vision and declare, “my time is coming. God is working on my behalf and I will fulfil my destiny!” As you hold on to your vision, and 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 appointed time God has prepared for you! 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for setting my appointed time. Father, please give me the patience to wait on You and not become complacent. Almighty God, ignite my heart with Your holy fire, so that I can pursue Your dreams and vision for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will and Your Word, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

On A Mission

We all have a mission given to us by God, just like Christ once He arrived on earth, He was on a mission. Not only did He come to die to save us from our sins, He had a mission to set people free from every kind of brokenness and oppression. He was anointed, and empowered by God to fulfil His mission. He didn’t go around doing good to some people. No, He went around doing good to all. That was His mission, and Christ is still fulfilling that mission on earth today.  

When you accept Christ as your Saviour, the Bible says that you become an ambassador of His. That means you represent Him. As His representative, you have access to the same power and authority that He has. You are empowered to fulfil His mission on the earth. You are anointed to do good and heal those who are oppressed by the enemy. 

Today, is there someone in your life who needs a touch from God? You are His hands and feet on the earth. You are anointed to do great things. You are anointed to pray and heal the sick. As you reach out to others and allow God to use you, you will see His power and anointing flow through you, and you will be empowered as you empower others. You are anointed! 

“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38, NASB 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and anointing me. Father, thank You for doing good in my life and setting me free! Please show me my mission, and make me an instrument of Your goodness and healing to those around me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Get A Vision

Looking at the world’s current situation, it’s hard to believe at times that God desires that you be blessed and prosperous. But it’s true, He wants you to have so much peace, joy and victory that it spills over onto those around you. He desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go.  

In the Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was saying, “I’m so full of God, I’m overflowing!” So don’t settle for a barely-get-by-mentality. Jesus came so that you can live an abundant life. That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. An abundance in every area of your life. 

Today, you may not see your abundance or prosperity. You may not feel like things are going your way, but don’t get complacent and just settle where you are. Get a vision from God’s Word for your future! Get a vision of God’s purpose for your life, and remember He delights in your prosperity! 

“…Let them say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.’ ” (Psalm 35:27, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. Father, help me develop a vision for the abundant life You have in store for me. God, please show me how to be a blessing to You and all those around me, and increase my prosperity so that You can be glorified, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Blessings While We Sleep

During these difficult times many people struggle with sleeping at night. They stay awake or get poor sleep because they are constantly focused on their problems, and worrying about tomorrow. But that’s not God’s plan! He wants you to enjoy your sleep as a time of blessing and refreshing. 

Scripture reminds us that the Lord longs to pour out blessings on us even while we are sleeping! Understand that God has His hand on your life even in the midnight hour. He wants to speak to your heart and restore your dreams. He is taking care of those things that concern you. 

Today, cast your cares on God and trust Him to work out every detail of your life, you’ll be able to enjoy that sweet sleep that He has promised even in these hard times. Make the decision today to enjoy the blessings of the Lord as you sleep tonight and always. Say a prayer before you go to bed and cast your cares, worries and stresses on God, let go of anger and wrath and rest in Him. 

“…He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.” (Psalm 127:2, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of blessing me as I sleep. Father, I ask that You teach me how to receive Your blessing and refreshing while I sleep. God, I cast my cares worries and stresses on You, trusting that You will work all things for my good. Lord, thank You for watching over me and protecting me each night as I sleep, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

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. 

Next Level Thinking

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

As you look toward to the future, you may not see how you will ever rise higher or fulfil your destiny. This is because you are looking at things in the earthly, natural realm. But if we’ll set our minds higher, beyond where we are, if we’ll set our minds on things above, we will have a different perspective. 

Scripture says we walk by faith and not by sight. This means, we have to believe it before we’re ever going to see it. If we walk only by what we see in the natural realm, we can easily allow circumstances and fear to cripple us and keep us from moving forward. However, when we set our minds higher, we are walking by faith, and we can see things God’s way. 

Today, make the decision to set your mind on things above; a place of peace, joy, powerful spiritual energy, mansions, no sickness, no corruption and no death. Hallelujah! Oh yes focus on the good things God has in store. Be determined to close the door on fear and doubt, and choose to listen to that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Walk and live by faith and set your mind on higher things! 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which lights up the path You have for me. Father, show me how to have a next level mindset, keeping my heart and mind focused on You. God, I choose to meditate on Your Word, knowing that it feeds my faith and sets me in a position to receive every blessing You have in store for me, now and in the future, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

Are you Seeking a personal revival? Join Ray Patrick live on zoom with Palmer’s Green & Holcombe road SDA churches tonight, sabbath 11:15am, Sunday, Wednesday, Friday @ 7:30pm for the 10 days of prayers. Topic: Seeking Revival 6th-16th Jan 2021 @7:30pm nightly (Wed,Fri,Sun) & Sabbaths @11:15am London Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340866075?pwd=VTVvc1MyR28zZDgyVmJOMlFUcjZPdz09 Meeting ID: 853 4086 6075 Passcode: 486549

BE A CHANGE-MAKER

Matthew 11:11-12 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist, yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. (NIV)

When I was young, I could never understand that passage of Scripture. To me, it was so unlike the Spirit of the Lord. How could a God of love and peace allow this to happen? Forcefulness sounded so like the kingdom of darkness. But praise the Lord, for He is always faithful to show you the truth if you ask Him. So, why then is it, that this Scripture is there?

It all boils down to passion! You see if you are passionate about something there is nothing on this earth that will stop you from getting the thing you think about. The desire and the drive are so strong that oftentimes you will go without food and water in order to get it. It’s time to get hungry for the Lord and get your fight back and make a change.

Why do you not have the things you’re believing God for? Why is it that your life is not at the place you want it to be? Are you passionate about a change? Are you passionate to see your circumstances change? Or are you listening to the lie of Satan telling you, you need to sit and wait for your turn and accept everything that is given to you? Your turn is now! You don’t have to accept defeat because you are an overcomer. You were ordained to do great things. So, get up and make a change!

Joh 2:13-17 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Jesus was very passionate about the temple, and that passion drove Him to drive out the unclean things in His Father’s house. The Lord may have passed by that temple before; but today, the Lord had enough of their foolishness. He was the Change Maker, and He caused things to change.

Well, isn’t time you allow your passion to rise and cause a change to happen in your life? I want you to get passionate today and let that passion drive you. Allow the Lord to work in you and for you so that you can become a new creation in Him and let all these things standing in your way be blown away by the power of the Holy Spirit. By faith take back everything the enemy has stolen from you. It’s time to be a change-maker for the Lord.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

A New Creation

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

A new year is a time for making plans, setting goals, writing visions, making resolutions, getting a fresh start and having a new beginning. But, the best “new start” is through Jesus Christ, for the Bible says, “if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come.” (2 Cor 15:17)

Today, if you need a new beginning in any area of your life, allow Christ to make you a new creation, and the old will pass away! He will put a new and right spirit within you when you call on His name! This year, make your relationship with Him your number one priority. As you develop an intimacy with Him through daily prayer and the study of His Word, you will experience the joy of newness of life!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I’m about to enter into a new year, I choose to make You my first priority. Father, please wipe the slate clean as I develop a deeper personal relationship with You. Thank You for renewing a right spirit in me and making me a new creation. God, I receive Your new beginning today as I walk with You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Declare It!

Did you know there is creative power in the words we declare? In the same way that God created the world with His words in Genesis 1, we “create” our own world with our words. We can create an atmosphere of peace, joy, power and love with our words, or we can create an atmosphere of strife, confusion and defeat.

Today, use your words to open the door for God to move, by declaring His Word over your life. Declare that His strength is at work in you. Declare that no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. As you declare God’s Word over your life, you’ll see it come to pass. You’ll feel His strength, joy and victory rising up inside of you, so that you can embrace the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared.”(Numbers 14:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I recognize that there is creative power in my words. Father, help me, by Your Spirit, to use my words for good. God, remind me to always declare Your truth over my life, and over the lives of others. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Peace, Not As The World Gives

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

We are all in need of inner peace. We look to relationships, addictions, money, gadgets and even religion to try to find something that will fill our void. But true peace isn’t found in anything this world has to offer, it can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only He can satisfy the longing in our souls and give us true, lasting peace.

Remember, God gives freely, not as the world gives. You can’t earn it, and you can’t pay for it. There’s no catch, no fine print and no strings attached. You can rest assured that He’s not ever going to take His peace away; His peace is eternal!

Today, begin your life of peace by inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. Then as you align your thoughts, attitudes and actions with His Word, that peace will flood every area. Peace is how we know we are following God’s plan, because God’s plan always leads to peace! If you’re looking for peace today, call on His name. Make Him your Lord and Saviour, follow His Word and allow His peace to flood every area of your life.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of peace which passes all understanding. Father, I receive Your peace today, and trust that You are leading and guiding me in the way You want me to go. Thank You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Don’t Let It Expire

Godinterest: A Return to the Web of Old, While Pushing the Internet Forward

One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it? Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use it, you will surely lose it! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we have to take action and use His Word in order to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you.

When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has for you! 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date, and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

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