Tag: New Year

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Stand!

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

In these times people are standing up for all kinds of reasons – against racism, against the vaccine, against voter fraud and the list goes on. One of the reasons people take a stand is because of poor choices others have made but other times, people have to take a stand to protect what is right. 

As you become convicted and you’re determined to fulfil your God-given destiny, and you’re taking steps to improve your life or make a difference in your family or community, don’t be surprised if you face opposition. The devil isn’t going to just roll out the red carpet and watch you fulfil your God-given destiny. He’ll do everything in his power to keep you from moving forward. The apostle Paul said this, “A wide door of opportunity is open for me and there are many adversaries.” I’ve found that anytime you try to go forward in life, anytime you try to make progress, there will be opposition.  

Today, with God on your side, you can stand your ground against the adversary! For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. So when you face opposition today and throughout this year, keep standing on God’s Word, keep believing in God’s promises, keep hoping in a brighter future. Don’t stop fighting the good fight of faith until you see the victory God has promised you! 

“Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of victory. Father, I have decided to take my eyes off my challenges and focus on You. God, thank You for equipping me with Your armour so that I can stand strong in this new year and beyond. Help me to keep on fighting, keep on hoping, and to stay in faith, 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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Let’s Crossover into 2021 With No Fear

As we enter the final day of this year, I urge you to let go of your past. All of those mistakes worries, stresses and fears. In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. So leave it behind! 

Scripture says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV, or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! How do you get faith? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I urge you in 2021 fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear this new year by choosing to spend time in God’s Word. 

Today, on December 31st 2020, remember, the power that is in you through the Holy Spirit, is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “you’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you! Lets crossover by faith into 2021! Hallelujah! 

“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, on the final day of 2020, I receive Your Word which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. God, fill me with Your love and faith, as I meditate on Your Word and crossover into a new year, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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In Your Weakness

The Holy Weak

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

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

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

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

Let’s Prayer

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

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Arise And Shine

Victory In Christ

As we end our year and enter into another, based upon scripture, I believe that God wants to exceed our expectations! He has amazing things stored up for you in this coming year. He’ll take you places that you’ve never dreamed, and give you breaks that seemed impossible. His glory is rising upon His people.  

Remember this, when hard times come, things are going to fall into place, so that you can accomplish what God has placed in your heart. Even the hidden dreams that you’ve given up on, God has not given up on. He is going to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all you could ask, think, or imagine! 

Today, your mind may try to talk you out of your dreams, but if you’ll listen with your heart, it will resonate on the inside of you. Don’t let discouragement hold you back or keep you down. It’s time for you to arise. It’s time for you to shine. Let that sink down into your spirit today, because it’s time for you to receive every spiritual blessing and move forward in the destiny God has prepared for you! 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” 

(Isaiah 60:1, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, thank You for choosing me and preparing a bright future for me, filled with dreams and purpose. Almighty God, in this new year I will arise and shine and let everything I do bring honour to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Rest, Release, Refresh, Restore

How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get pretty excited wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So hand them over.

As you begin a new year, God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul, mind, will and emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation. During 2021 God wants to take care of everything that concerns you, so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout this new year, release your cares to the Lord. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfillment and blessings for your body, mind and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Jehovah, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You, so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Loads Of Benefits

God Teach Me When To Fight

When you obey God’s Word and have an attitude of excellence and integrity, the Bible says that God’s blessings will overtake you. You won’t be able to outrun the good things of God no matter how hard you try. He will daily load you with benefits! You won’t have to go chasing after blessings. When you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow. 

Today, why not make obeying God first on your list for the new year. Let go of any weights or sins that you know are holding you back. Be willing to deal with any issues God brings to light. Don’t give in to compromise and temptation, all that does is keep you from God’s best. Instead, make the decision to daily put Him first and keep your heart pure before Him. Then get ready, because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits! Hallelujah!  

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits…” (Psalm 68:19, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I dedicate every area of my life to You. Father, help me to live a life of integrity and honour. Almighty God, thank You for daily loading me with benefits as I put You first in everything that I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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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.

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Spiritual Seasons in the Christian Life

In this new year we expect four seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn. Just like the four seasons in the year, God has ordained seasons and cycles in our lives. Sometimes, when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable, we can be tempted to get frustrated. We have to be careful not to allow our attitude to keep us from moving forward. Let God determine your season – He won’t give you more than you can bear, trust Him, He will get you through.

Just like in a 12 month cycle, In God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest. There are ploughing seasons, planting seasons and watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase; but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. Seasons come to prepare for harvest and increase. It’s during the ploughing season that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for success.

Today, if you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is not to lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard. Keep pushing and stay positive by speaking God’s Word daily. This month keep pressing through winter, spring is on the way. Hold on during the uncertainty of spring, because the consistency of summer is coming, just before your harvest or increase in every area of life!

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. Father, I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to remain faithful to You as I await my harvest and increase. God, I submit my ways to You, and trust that You have the best plan for my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Whatever you do shall prosper

As the new year approaches, I want to remind you that God’s plan is for you to prosper, and be successful in every area of your life. Some people might say, “I don’t see how you can say that after the year I’ve had, with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.” That may be true in general, but it doesn’t have to be true for believers in Christ.

Friend, we are connected to a supply line that will never run dry. Don’t be talked into having a bad year. The economy is not your source. God is your source, and He wants to bless you beyond your normal income. He likes to do unusual things. He can bless you with an explosive blessing! That means, all of a sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level. Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed! Hallelujah!

Today, separate yourselves from the system of the world, and set your heart and mind on the Word of God. When you meditate on His promises, and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings. When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper, now and in the year to come!

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers.’

(Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Pray With Me
Emmanuel, thank You for Your Word which brings me hope for the year ahead, and lights my path, and directs my heart today. Father, I submit every area to You and put You first always. God, teach me to rely on You — the source of all things good. Show me Your ways, so I can walk with You, and experience every blessing You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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25 Wonderful Christian Quotes for the New Year

Another year of your life closes today. How can you look back upon it? Have you made advancement in the divine life? Have you increased in spirituality? Have you crucified self, with the affections and lusts? Have you an increased interest in the study of God’s Word? Have you gained decided victories over your own feelings and waywardness?

Oh, what has been the record of your life for the year which has now passed into eternity, never to be recalled?  

As you enter upon a new year, let it be with an earnest resolve to have your course onward and upward. Let your life be more elevated and exalted than it has hitherto been. Make it your aim not to seek your own interest and pleasure, but to advance the cause of your Redeemer. Remain not in a position where you ever need help yourself, and where others have to guard you to keep you in the narrow way. You may be strong to exert a sanctifying influence upon others. You may be where your soul’s interest will be awakened to do good to others, to comfort the sorrowful, strengthen the weak, and to bear your testimony for Christ whenever opportunity offers. Aim to honor God in everything, always and everywhere. Carry your religion into everything.  

Prepare for eternity with such a zeal as you have not yet manifested. Educate your mind to love the Bible, to love the prayer meeting, to love the hour of meditation, and, above all, the hour when the soul communes with God. Become heavenly-minded if you would unite with the heavenly choir in the mansions above.

A new page is turned in the book of the recording angel.  Let a record be stamped there which you will not be ashamed to have revealed to the gaze of men and angels.

These great quotes will get you ready for the new year!

  1. “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ’- Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
  2. “It is better to make a thousand failures than to be too cowardly to ever undertake anything.” ’- Clovis G. Chappell
  3. “If you prayed as much as you complain and quarrel, you’d have a lot less to argue about and much more peace of mind.” ’- Rick Warren, The Purpose of Christmas
  4. “A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.” ’- Charles Finney
  5. “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” ’- Psalm 40:3
  6. “You were made by God and for God and until you understand that life will never make sense.” ’- Rick Warren
  7. “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” ’- Oswald Chambers
  8. Faith”¦involves trusting in the future promises of God and waiting for their fulfillment.” ’- RC  Sproil
  9. Never decide on anything or start to do anything while emotion is agitating like a roaring sea. Again, during that time even our conscience is rendered unreliable.” ’- Watchman Nee
  10. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” ’- Proverbs 3:6
  11. “The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” ’- Rick Warren
  12. “Apparently it was okay for me to like Jesus as long as I didn’t get too serious and actually start to do what He said.” ’- Trip Lee, Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story
  13. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” ’- Corinthians 5:17
  14. “We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.” ’- Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
  15. “He loves using lackluster ingredients because doing so makes it clear where the true credit should go.” ’- Trip Lee, Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story
  16. “The only way to get rid of your past is to make a future out of it.” ’- Phillips Brooks
  17. “As Mack Stiles says, Most Christians in the world must fear the raised fist; Americans fear the raised eyebrow.” ’- Trip Lee, Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story
  18. “Being in Christ, it is safe to forget the past; it is possible to be sure of the future; it is possible to be diligent in the present.” ’- Alexander MacLaren
  19. “There are no super-Christians, only regular Christians denying themselves and embracing their Lord.” ’- Trip Lee, Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story
  20. “Our quitting point is God’s beginning point.” ’- Woodrow Kroll
  21. “Cool is fickle, and we can’t live for it”—the words of Trip Lee.” ’- Trip Lee, Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story  

  22. “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” ’- Peter Marshall

  23. “Time heals griefs and quarrels, for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves.” ’- Blaise Pascal

  24. “You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.” ’- Leviticus 26:10

  25. “God specializes in giving people a fresh start.” ’- Rick Warren

     

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Poem: The Unravelling of a Christian Marriage

Marry the wrong person, everyday is Martyrs Day.
Marry a lazy person, everyday is Labour Day.
Marry a rich person everyday is New Year’s Day.
Marry an immature person, everyday would seem like Children’s Day.
Marry a cheater or liar, everyday will become April Fool’s Day.
And if you don’t get married, everyday is Independence Day!

Marriage is the only school where you get a certificate before you start.
It’s also a school where you will never graduate.
It’s a school without a break or a free period.
It’s a school where no one is allowed to drop out.
It’s a school you will have to attend everyday of your life.
It’s a school where there is no sick leave or holidays.
It’s a school founded by God on the foundation of love.
The walls are made out of trust.
The door made out of acceptance.
The windows made out of understanding
The furniture made out of blessings
The roof made out of faith.

Be reminded that God is the only Principal and you are a student,
Even in times of storms, don’t be unwise and run outside.
Keep in mind that, this school is the safest place to be.
Never go to sleep before completing your assignments for the day.
Never forget  to communicate with your classmate and with the Principal.
If you find out something about your classmate (spouse) that you do not appreciate.
Remember your classmate is also just a student, not a graduate.
God is not finished with him/her yet.
So take it as a challenge and work on it together.
Do not forget to study the Holy Book (the main textbook of this school).
Start each day with a sacred assembly and end it the same way.

Sometimes you will feel like not attending classes, yet you have to.
When tempted to quit find courage and continue.
Some tests and exams may be tough but remember,
the Principal knows how much you can bear and yet it’s a school better than any other.

It’s one of the best schools on earth;
joy, peace and happiness accompany each lesson of the day.

Different subjects are offered in this school, yet love is the major subject.
After all the years of theorising about it, now you have a chance to practice it.

To be loved is a good thing, but to love is the greatest privilege of them all.
Marriage is a place of love, so love your spouse.

Whether you’re married, engaged, or still single, we hope that you have found wisdom and encouragement in this poem about marriage.  

 

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