But I’ll keep coming closer and closer to you, Lord Yahweh, for your name is good to me. I’ll keep telling the world of your awesome works, my faithful and glorious God! Psalm 73:28 Passion Translation

I was going to post this in another version this morning, but as I read this, I fell in love with the line, “for your name is good to me.” What part of His name has been good to you? There are so many to list and I simply don’t know how to spell them all or I’d make the attempt, but let me say this; there is no other name on earth that does what His names do for me.

The closer I get to God, the more I realize how little I know of Him. As I’ve needed Him in certain areas, I’ve learned those aspects of Him in my life. First as Father when my own dad was killed at a very young age. I stepped into His arms and He’s never released His hold on me. That has changed my life and the way I see Him. I believe until we understand that He is indeed Love, we will never understand who He is or why He sent His son for us to restore a very broken relationship.

Everything He does is motivated by that deep and abiding love. His healing touch, His constant provision, His direction and positioning, His protection and so very much more.

When I snuggle close to Father, there’s absolutely nothing I’m afraid of. There’s a trust that only comes from deep intimacy, and there’s deep intimacy that only comes by deep fellowship, and deep fellowship only comes with time spent and love shared, and shared love only comes from trust. See the cycle? You can’t have one without all the others.

When was the last time you sat snuggled close to Father? Take time this morning to snuggle!

Sandy G

Then Moses said to the Israelites, “Look, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, from the tribe of Judah. (Uri was the son of Hur.) And he has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God—he gave Bezalel special skill and knowledge to do all kinds of things. Exodus 35:30-31

Bezalel had skill. He was one of the first noted that was filled with the Spirit of God and given special skill and knowledge on how to do things. This man could do anything! He could work with metal and wood, cut and set stone and jewels, make things out of gold. The man could even weave things with designs in them. Amazing!

This same Spirit that filled Bezalel lives in you. I keep thinking how God revealed to Peter that He doesn’t consider one person better than others (Acts 10:34). In His eyes, we’re all equal. We all have the same access to the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. We simply must believe, open ourselves up to Him and allow His Spirit to teach us.

You and I, we have special skills available that only God can give and only His Spirit can show us how to use. You may not feel like you do, but it’s true. The problem doesn’t lie in the skill, the problem is we don’t believe. For so many years we’ve allowed the deceiver to convince us we can’t so we don’t.

What would you do differently today if you knew it was possible? Matthew 19:26, Jesus said, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Stop trying to make things happen and spend time in the presence of God. Allow the Spirit to show you things and activate the special skills He’s given you.

Father, this morning I choose to sit in Your presence and worship You. Activate special skills in me. In myself I can do nothing, but in You I can do anything. I give You access to everything in me. Guard my heart and mind so that I don’t believe the lies of the enemy. May I measure every thought and hold it up against Your Word. If it’s contrary, I will cast it down, if it’s agreeable, I will believe. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory I pray, Amen.

Sandy G

Some of you may be facing a pretty tall mountain today. Let me just put it into perspective for you; That mountain you see is like a speck of dust to God. He is bigger than that!

This morning, the Lord dropped this into my spirit and I wanted to share it:

Zechariah 4:6-7 NASB: Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel (Sandy) saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel (Sandy) you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’” (revised by me)

Then he replied, “This is the word the Lord spoke to Zerubbabel: You won’t ⌞succeed⌟ by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Armies. What a high mountain you are! In front of Zerubbabel you will become a plain. He will bring out the topmost stone with shouts of ‘Blessings, blessings on it!’ ” GW Translation

Whatever it is, speak ‘grace, grace’ or ‘blessings, blessings’ to it. It has to respond to the grace of God. His powerful word works! You don’t have to earn it, deserve it, work for it, it’s free and He says if you call on Him, He will answer. You call. He answers. Done deal!

Now just praise Him! Lift up your hands and praise Him! He’s not done with you.

Sandy G

“Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life. But many who are considered to be the most important now will be the least important then. And many who are viewed as the least important now will be considered the most important then.” Mark 10:29-31 TPT

Have you ever received a check in the mail for $10,000? As you look it over, you see some key words like; call to activate or non-negotiable. What began by looking like a blessing is just a gimac to get you in debt. You have to pay attention to the whole thing, not just what it looks like.

As I read this message from Jesus, I wondered how many people have skipped over those words, along with persecutions? We have a tendency to focus on the ‘good’ stuff, but there’s always stipulations, aren’t there? Like the rich young ruler in verses 17-23 when he asked what he must do to obtain eternal life. He was a good man, followed all the laws, but when Jesus said, “Sell all you have and give to the poor,” he walked away. Because sometimes what He asks of us is just too much.

We want the good stuff, but we don’t want to do anything to get it. We believe in our covenant promises, but when He asks us to do something first, it’s just too much. Why is that? Jesus gave everything, including his life, how is it so hard to lay down our all for the Kingdom?

I hope this gives you pause today. Something to think on as you go throughout your day. There’s a price to pay for the choices we’ve made. The 100 times back in this lifetime is awesome, but it comes with persecutions. Some people would just rather not. Is that you?

Sandy G

Their eye bulges from fatness; The imaginations of their heart run riot. Psalm 73:7

Has your life become nothing but drama? Do you allow your thoughts to run away on you? Meaning, when you hear something, you do the ‘what if’s’? Which then rolls down the mountain, picking up speed and debris, throwing things off that cause damage to yourself and others?

If your imagination runs wild, it’s time to reign it in. Proverbs 23:7a says that as a man thinks, so is he. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be the mess my mind conjures up. I don’t want my crazy imagination to dictate my outcomes. If I am what I think, I need to work at changing my thinking.

The things I think on become the foundation for my future. Some of us need to tear down our houses and build again, but this time, build on a solid Rock and a sure foundation. I’ve been working on this for awhile now. I’ve been asking myself questions like, “Where did that thought come from? Is it based on truth or lies?”

Here’s my challenge for you today; Check the origins of your thoughts. Where are they coming from? Truth is found in the Word of God, it is a sure foundation. If what I think does not line up with His Word, I need to get rid of it and speak the truth until my mind changes what it’s believing. Don’t allow things you hear, no matter how good it sounds, become truth until you take it before the Lord and talk with Him about it. He will always lead you into all truth. Just become everyone is saying it, doesn’t make it right.

“On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.”

Remember, no one controls your thoughts but you. If you think it, you become it. Stop the madness and think on things that are pure, honorable, praise worthy and good reports. Every mind can be reprogrammed! Ask God to give you insight into His Word and His will for you and begin thinking on these things.

Sandy G

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5

What a mouth full of hope in these verses. I can’t say I’ve always rejoiced when I’ve run into problems & trials. Some of them were just so big, I kept running into them. I looked like I’d been in a train wreck. Then one day the Lord showed me that instead of tripping over those obstacles, I could put them together to create building blocks. That enabled me to climb to such great heights where the views were breathtaking. Seeing them from Gods vantage point put the circumstance in true perspective.

He’s always bigger, always greater than any problem we can or cannot see. It’s not what you see that makes the difference, it’s how you see it. Come on up and share the view! Spending time in His presence brings you wisdom to not just get you through, but to give others hope too.

Oh wise and loving God, thank You for new perspective and wisdom to face everything I need to face. Answers to questions, steps to take and new levels of trust with each new obstacle. You’re so kind to stay and accompany me as I take this journey. Never lonely. Love You so much. Amen

Sandy G

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

Oh my, does this not describe the world we live in today? I pray that none of us fall into this category, but may we remain focused on what God has called us to; a life of godliness, faith and trust in Him. May we appear different from the world, so much so, that there is not a doubt we are Christians.

I’ve met people like that. The Spirit of God leapt in me and I knew they were believers. They had separated themselves from the things of the world, choosing heaven as their destination. What a beautiful example of coming apart and living unto the Lord.

How about you? Can people tell who you belong to? Is there such a strong family resemblance that one look confirms it? When they listen to your conversation, does it reflect the worlds opinions and ways, or does it ooze the love and joy of Jesus?

Father, once again I declare that I am Yours alone. My heart is set on loving You, trusting You and being only Yours. When the lure of the world becomes a temptation,You will keep me for my eyes are on You and You watch over me day and night. There is no room for second place with You. You have asked and I said yes. Beautiful Savior! Precious Redeemer! You have bought me but set me free. I will follow You all the days of my life and dwell in Your house forever. Amen

Sandy G

Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,”

Sometimes you just have to remind yourself of who you are, whose you are and what you’re made for. So I say today, I’m redeemed from sin, sickness, lack, poverty, disease, addictions and every evil, deceptive work of the enemy. Kings declare and decree and I am a king/queen and priest/priestess before the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I’m created to say so! That’s right! I’m created to open my mouth and declare what the Word of God says.

Let faith arise within you today. Take back your rightful place. Stop listening to the lie of the enemy that tries to convince you that you’re less than who you are. You’re not a failure! You’re a success! Stop measuring yourself by others successes and begin to see yourself successful because God says you are.

You’re more than a conqueror. I don’t care what your situation looks like, if God is for you, who can be against you! There is divine favor on your life. Rise up, child of God and SAY SO! He said you’re redeemed. That word means to buy back, recover or fulfill. He bought back your victory. Not a portion of your victory but ALL of your victory.

Say it out loud, “I am redeemed from ______” put what you’re facing in that blank. Say it again. It’s because of what Christ did that you are free from that. Don’t allow it in because of what some human said. Only allow in what God says.

Father, for all you’ve redeemed me from, I’m so thankful. For all you’ve given me authority over, I’m thankful. You didn’t leave me powerless, but full of your Spirit who brings me wisdom, power and life. I’m not just yours when things are going my way. I’m yours in good times and bad, happy and sad, I’m yours and that’s enough. I shout it from the mountaintops, I’m redeemed. It’s in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sandy G

Ever been hungry for something but not know what you’re hungry for? You search through the refrigerator and the cupboards looking for that one thing but can’t seem to find it. “What do I want?” you ask the frig. Out of frustration, you grab something and stuff it in your mouth only to be more frustrated because it just doesn’t satisfy.

I’ve done this and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. Lately though, I’ve realized that though the voice of my flesh is loud, what I really desire is more of the presence of God. It’s my spirit that longs to be heard above my flesh.

Psalm 84:2 “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

When my flesh cries out, I need to interpret that cry for what it really is. I will find my place of worship and raise my hands unto the Lord my God. I will find the secret place in His arms and allow Him to satisfy the longing of my heart. I will deny my flesh of it’s longings until the voice of my spirit rises above and is satisfied.

Psalm 84:10 “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

That is my cry today, Lord. A day in Your courts is better than a thousand pizza’s, ice cream or the best food that money can buy. It’s where my strength comes from to face everyday, every circumstance, every trial. It’s wherever You are, Lord, thats where I long to be. So today, I come hungry! Before I partake of an egg, I will spend time in Your presence till my soul is satisfied. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. Philippians 2:4 TPT

My sister recently sent me a teaching on selfishness. I could have been offended if we hadn’t been having a conversation about it’s relationship to pride and it’s blatant symptoms of lack of trust in God’s covenant with us. After I listened to it, I asked God to show me my heart and see if I harbor any selfishness.

Let me give you a tiny warning; if you ask, He will show you. Be prepared to hear, “Cleanup on aisle 4!” as the glass jars fall to the floor. You’ll be appalled, especially when you see what those jars contained.

I started looking at the life of Christ and guess what I saw…..selflessness. He was all about doing the will of the Father who sent Him. I started by asking myself, am I selfless? I cannot lie, especially to God, so my answer was no. Jesus lived and breathed Love. He gave way past my point of exhaustion. He chose to see through the eyes of His Father regardless of His own opinion or feelings.

Oh I’ve done some good things and maybe that will outweigh the bad, but if we’re talking about abandoning every display of selfishness, I’ve got work to do. Being more concerned for others instead of my own interests, I think I’ve labeled that one, self preservation, which is merely another word for selfishness.

Well now, Jesus did step away from the crowds once in awhile, but it was to commune with the Father, not just to rest. He discovered that spending time with God renewed His strength, and knowing He was doing the will of God kept Him grounded. You see we were never meant to do life for ourselves. When we surrendered our lives to Him, it was so that He could work in and through us, to will and to do His good pleasure, not our own.

So my prayer today; Help me to be more aware of others and less aware of me. May my blog never be a rant of a vent, but rather may it draw others to a deeper relationship with You. May my life be a laid down life, placing Your desires above my own. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen

Sandy G