For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11‭-‬13 NKJV

God knows me. He knows my thoughts, my fears, and my needs. But He steps that up when He says, “I know the thoughts I think toward you.”

What kind of thoughts does God have about me? For me? Well, He starts with peace and not evil. So He sends peace into our lives. Anything that messes up my peace is not from God. It’s evil in its nature and disturbing in its hold on my mind.

His thoughts are good towards me. He wants to prosper me and give me great success. He wants me to experience wholeness in my spirit, soul, and body. To give me a future and hope.

The enemy may have conspired against me. He may be relentless in his pursuit of me. But God has other plans for me, and I trust those words over the lies of my enemies. He’s prepared a table for me in the presence of my enemies. I will feast in His promises regardless of what I’m looking at today.

Then I will call on Him, and He will answer me. I will pray, and He will listen because He can not turn a deaf ear to my voice. I’m His child, and He hears me. My Father has big plans for me, and absolutely nothing will stand in the way of those plans to come to pass.

Keep your hope securely in Him.

Sandy G

Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they brought destruction on the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. Now at evening time David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent servants and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” Then David sent messengers and had her brought, and when she came to him, he slept with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. But the woman conceived; so she sent word and informed David, and said, “I am pregnant.” 2 Samuel 11:1‭-‬5 NASB2020

If you’re unfamiliar with the story of Davids sin and how God exposed it, forgave him, and punished him, I encourage you to read it. Perhaps it will refresh your memory of the ability God has to love, forgive, and wipe slates clean.

You may ask me where these thoughts came from. Let me explain a conversation I had with friends on Friday a week ago.

The subject was sexual sin committed by a leader of a large prayer ministry, and the comment was made that they could no longer listen to their music or receive inspiration from their teachings.

As I sat and listened to the conversation, Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Remember David’s sin and how God dealt with it?”

I didn’t comment at the time, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that God was trying to show me something. Not until I asked did I hear these words: “What right does man have to hold onto what I’ve forgiven?”

Here’s what I believe we’ve forgotten; And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

It’s a tool Satan has used from the beginning of time, and we continue to fall into its deception. We’d rather throw the baby out with the bathwater than believe that God forgives and forgets. We’ve drawn a redaction through those words as if they don’t apply.

So how do we do this? How can we right a wrong that we’ve helped create? How? We first repent for our unforgiveness. We ask for restoration and mercy for what Satan has tried to destroy. Then we stop spreading rumors and remind others of where they would be if people kept their secrets alive.

Father, let it begin with me. May others experience your love and mercy through me. May forgiveness come from my lips, and may my heart be pure so that your unconditional love is always evident. In Jesus name, Amen

Sandy G

Do you remember that uncomfortable pressure you felt when it’s time to leave a place and move on? You no longer feel you belong. Like when you left home to get married and you go back for a visit. It’s good to be there, but you no longer have the sense of ‘belonging’ anymore. They’ve re-purposed your old room, moved on with their lifestyle, no longer do they live their lives revolved around you.

Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

This world is not our home. We’re simply here on assignment. Consider it a very temporary one. You can still enjoy the visit, forge relationships, share meals, even marry and have children, but your final destination is a house Jesus is preparing for us. There will always be a room there that is your own. Never re-purposed.

Today, as you go about your Fathers business, keep your eyes and ears open for your next assignment, but don’t allow the things of this world to be what keeps you here. We are not of this world. Let’s do life for God so that when it’s time, we’ll be welcomed back where our real home is and enjoy the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sandy G

O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. Psalm 8:1-2

Think about that. The power of praise! Children & infants praising God will silence your enemies.

I think of the many times when Israel sent the praisers into battle first. Praise must make you fearless too because I can’t imagine being on the front line in war with a trumpet. Praise paralyses opposition.

I can still see my mom in the middle of very extreme situations as she lifted her hands and praised, saying, “Glory, glory, glory, glory, glory!” Praise gets the attention of God. He will always respond and rescue those who praise His Name!

Perhaps you’re facing an obstacle today. Whatever it is, praise your way through, God will show you a way out.

We lift our voices this morning in radical praise to the only God who is worthy! All glory to Your name. Nothing is too difficult for You! Every knee will bow to Your powerful name. Thank you for victory. It belongs to You.

Sandy G

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11 NASB

What Jesus did for us by shedding His blood gave us complete victory over every enemy we face. Not some, but EVERY. This scripture shows us that in three parts;

1. They understood the value of the shed blood and the power in it.
2. They understood the power of their words.
3. They understood that they belonged to God completely, servants of another Kingdom, ambassadors of heaven, and that to leave this world would only take them home.

It’s one thing to accept the part that Jesus gave His life for you, but it’s yet another to take up your own cross and follow Him.

What about you, my friend? Are you truly serious about your walk with God? Is it a convenience factor, or are you completely His? Did you sign the contract with God to get the good stuff, or did you understand that the contract was to forfeit all for the Kingdom of God?

May you become the overcomer in your family, your job, your world. May the words you speak testify of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy. May signs follow in the form of astounding miracles as you touch unbelievers everywhere. And may those miracles be saturated in the love of God He freely gives.

Sandy G

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91 NASB

Someone needs to read this today and know that they are not only loved by the Father, but they’re safely protected by the Father. There is nowhere you can go that God does not go with you.

Feelings can’t trump the Word. Regardless of how loud they scream, God’s Word is louder. When you read these verses today, put your name in it. Make it personal. It’s your covenant promise from a covenant keeping God.

Today, I will dwell in the shelter of the most high God. I will say, “You’re my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He will delivers me from everything that would try to harm me. Every virus, every disease, anything that would try to rise up against me, You will put it down!

You get the picture. Make these verses your own treasure. Speak them over yourself, your family, even those in countries that are constantly being threatened and their lives are in constant danger. Encourage them to stay grounded on the Word that never fails.

Have a wonderful week and know that I’m praying for you.

Sandy G

Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives to all who turn to hide themselves in him. Psalms 34:8 TPT

I always start my mornings with coffee and reading. Just grabbing a single verse to think on while enjoying my favorite beverage is bliss.

Most translations are written, ‘taste and see’, but an interesting fact is that the ‘see’ comes from the Hebrew root word that translates, drink deeply. For me, I tend to drink deeply when I’m extremely thirsty.

What about you? What does this verse do for you? It should instill at least a curiosity. What would it look like to drink deeply of the pleasures of God?

What would your day be like if you were to take time to close your eyes and enjoy His love. To find yourself soaking in it. Basking in those joyous mercies. Smiling up into His face as you feel His arms slide around you and hold you there.

He gives it freely to all who hide themselves in Him. Stand hidden in Him today. Let the light of His presence shift the attention off of you and onto Him. Enjoy His protection and provision, knowing how deeply He cares for you.

Sandy G

“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do. They’ll complete the assignment I gave them.” Isaiah 55:8‭-‬11 MSG

I was reminded today of how big God’s thoughts are. Comparatively speaking, we think much smaller then He does.

While He’s speaking universes into existence, we’re talking about houses and jobs. His provision is on a global scale, while we’re thinking about what to make for dinner.

When will He be enough for us? When will we stop thinking small and accept that we are His children, created in His image and likeness? That we’re not a mistake. Everything and everyone have plans and purposes that we can’t comprehend.

He indeed knows the plans He has for us. He doesn’t, however, have to share those plans with us. I’m pretty sure that human nature would screw those plans up. That’s why He wants our trust. He wants our surrender. With Him in the lead and us being satisfied to stay in the passenger seat, enjoying the ride.

I know it’s frustrating not to know. I understand the uncertainty that comes with walking in the dark. But understand this, He is the light, and in Him is no shadow. So step out of the forrest and into the light of His presence. Be thankful that He knows and all will be clear someday.

Let that be enough for you. Take a deep breath and place your hand in His and keep walking.

Sandy G

Mark 9:23-24 “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

I’ve struggled with this scripture for years. How can you believe and have unbelief at the same time? Im thinking it’s because our mind is where the devil plays. He plays out movies of the most horrendous accident with your children in the car. He plants doubt: “Others may get their healing, but you won’t.”

So even though this father came to Jesus for his sons healing, knowing that Jesus could heal him, I believe the unbelief part was, would he.

Satan is constantly trying to convince us that we’re not good enough, holy enough, ‘Christian’ enough, but the grace to heal doesn’t come by our works, it’s a gift and there’s only one way to get a gift, just receive it.

Walking around sick doesn’t glorify God. Walking in health does. No wonder Satan tries so desperately to keep us sick & broke with words that reflect our thought life. My mom used to say, “If you can’t find something good to say, don’t say anything at all.” Speaking what you see isn’t faith, speaking things that be not as though they are, that is faith.

Jesus said to say to impossible things (mountain), “Be gone!” Don’t doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say is done and it will happen. (Mark 11:23) We say it, then we doubt. That’s being double minded, and James 1:8 says we’re unstable in everything.

So, how do I win over my thought life? Be renewing my mind in the Word of God. Bringing my thoughts under the subjection of the Word. The Lord showed me that if I compare all my thoughts with the Word, I will know which ones to keep and which to throw away.

Do you see why it’s so important to know the Word? John 8:32 says, “You shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall make you free.” There is nothing more true than the Word of God.

Lord, I purpose to keep my thoughts in check. Philippians 4:8 NLT “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Remember this: We serve a ‘more than enough’ God, not a ‘just enough’ God, and He’s no respecter of persons.

Sandy G

You know, I don’t have a lot of money or investments, but I do know how to do good. Jesus went around doing good and healing everyone. It was in His nature to do good because He came from the Father.

We also come from our Father if we have confessed Jesus as lord of our lives and received His sacrifice for our sins. So we also should be following His example and doing good. We have the same Spirit in us that He did. It quickens or makes alive our mortal bodies, not so that we can live a nice comfortable life, but that we might do good.

Start being more aware of those that enter your atmosphere. Neighbors, people at the grocery store, people walking by you, people at work, church, the park. Let’s work today on being sensitive to the Spirit in us and minister to those we meet along the way.

Acts 3:6, Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

May the boldness of the Spirit of God rise up in us as we go through our day. May we be sensitive to the needs of those around us and be do-gooders.

Sandy G