PATRICK

  "For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him, He heard." (Psalms 22:24, NKJV) Yesterday, we learned about how to regain strength in prayer, and we learned that the way to do so is to simply decide to start praying. A person who prays doesn’t need any special qualifications before God. All you need is the willingness to pray to Him. The key is to be honest before God—open your heart, express the truth and reality of your life, and then ask for what you need. When it comes to prayer, there is often a challenge, especially when you don’t know how to pray as you should. This challenge exists for everyone, regardless of their spiritual maturity. Even those who are spiritually mature sometimes struggle to find the right words to pray. A great example is Jesus Christ. Though He was the Son of God and without sin, when it came time for Him to face the cross, His prayer was brief because he didn...

  "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." Luke 18:1 Let me explain how Satan operates: He pushes you into doing things that drain your confidence to pray, or he brings difficulties to discourage you to the point where you feel there is no reason to pray. Then, on the day you finally decide to pray, he places guilt in your heart, convincing you that you are unworthy to approach God, so you end up staying the same. Because you haven’t prayed for a long time or haven’t attended church for a while, you may feel distant from God and think you’re unworthy to ask for His help in your trouble. But this is not what God says. What he said is: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) In my own life, there was a time whe...

  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6 (NKJV) This is a declaration and confession of victory and faith. David spoke these words as he celebrated God’s faithfulness in providing for him, meeting his needs, and protecting him. This verse carries profound meaning about the relationship between a believer and God. You can also proclaim these words if you truly believe in and rely on God. Because of his relationship with God, David had assurance about the journey of his life on earth. That is why he began with the word "Surely." You too, as a believer, should have this confidence—that God will not change or abandon you in your journey of faith. Now let us look at the meaning of "Goodness" and "Mercy." God's Goodness represents His unchanging nature to bless, provide, and care for us. It reflects His generosity, favor, and the gifts we do not deserve. G...

  "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if anyone serves, let him do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen." — 1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV) This message is especially significant for anyone who serves God through teaching and ministering to His people using their various gifts. That person is you. Because all who believe in Christ are servants called to spread the good news of the gospel. It is your responsibility to teach those who do not know Christ so that they may come to know Him. Also, remember that you are the light of the world, placed here to shine the light of Christ. This means you must reveal Christ in everything you say and do. You are a letter that people read—from your family to the broader community, others are learning from you. When it comes to teaching people about God’s laws, principles, and truths, today’s scripture says, "...

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God." — Psalm 20:7 In our world that values financial power and human achievements, this scripture reminds us that the only path to certain victory and eternal hope lies in God alone. While others may rely on earthly resources or human systems, we are called to place our trust in something far greater— the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this verse, "chariots and horses" represent earthly power, human ability, and man-made innovations. In biblical times, they symbolized military strength and preparation for war. Today, they may refer to wealth, political systems, technological advancements, or personal education. Though these resources have value, their effectiveness is limited, and they are only temporary. The name of the Lord in this verse signifies God’s character, power, and promises. Trusting in His name means relying on His unchanging nature and His faithfulness to fulf...

'But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. ' Psalms 52:8   Just like an olive tree thrives and bears fruit, you too can flourish when you stay rooted in God’s presence. The olive tree symbolizes strength, endurance, and fruitfulness, even in harsh conditions. No matter what challenges surround you, trust in God’s unfailing love—a love that never wavers or fades. In God’s house, there is always nourishment, growth, and the assurance of eternal blessings. As you draw strength from Him each day, let your life reflect His faithfulness. The fruit you bear—love, kindness, patience, and faith—will glorify His name and be a testament to His goodness. Ask yourself: How can you stay more deeply rooted in God’s presence this week? What areas of your life need His nourishment and care? Trust that when you remain grounded in Him, you will prosper in spirit and flourish, no matter the circumstances. Prayer:  Lord, help me...

  "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." — 1 Timothy 4:15 These words were written by Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader of the church in Ephesus after he had given him guidance on how to lead and shepherd the church effectively. However, these words are not just for Timothy or young people alone; they are for everyone who has been taught how to carry out their God-given assignments effectively. That includes you. Now, here are the key points you need to keep in mind: 1. DILIGENCE When Paul says, "Be diligent in these matters,"  he is giving a primary principle for anything you undertake. Without diligence, any task you do will be handled carelessly, and you will not accomplish much. Diligence is especially required when you face challenges and opposition. Nothing good can be achieved in this world without encountering resistance. Diligence gives you the drive to overcome these obstacles, enabling y...

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) In recent days, we have been exploring the purpose of our creation and how we ought to live in a way that fulfills God’s purpose and pleases Him. Today's scripture teaches and reminds us about our bodies. Your body is highly valuable before God. However, many of us have forgotten this and act as though our bodies belong to us. In some parts of the world, legal battles are fought over Control of their Bodies, with people claiming full rights over their bodies. Phrases like "My body, my choice" have become popular in debates about issues such as clothing, same-sex marriages, and abortion rights, especially in places like the U.S. People demand the freedom to do whatever they want with their bodies. However, as believers in God, we do not have the liberty to do just anything with our bodies. The ...

  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)"   God wants you to prosper, and He has a specific plan and method to ensure your success. This special way God has designed for your prosperity is clearly outlined in today’s verse. Let’s break it down: so let us break this verse down;  1. What is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is His rule over all creation, especially in the hearts of His people. Seeking the Kingdom means living according to God’s will, building a relationship with Him, and working to fulfill His purposes on earth. The word "seek" implies deliberate and consistent effort. It’s not a one-time decision but a daily endeavor to prioritize God in every area of life.  2. "And His Righteousness" Righteousness is living a life that reflects God’s character and standards. It involves moral integrity, obedience to His commandments, and living by faith.  3....