Afterward, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the lonely wilderness in order to reveal his strength against the accuser by going through the ordeal of testing. Matthew 4:1 TPT

We’ve all read the story of Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days and nights. If you’re unfamiliar, you can read the 11 short verses beginning with the above passage.

So many times people have asked me, why did this happen, or why did that happen. Why did he have to die? Why wasn’t I healed? Why did I have to file bankruptcy? Why did I lose my house? Why did I get fired? Why did my husband leave? The list is long and just when I think I’ve heard them all, a new one assaults my senses.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I never knew how strong I was until…..”? Because you don’t know what you’re able to withstand until you’re tested. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re challenged. Does that make sense?

Jesus had just been baptized in water by John the Baptizer and was the first to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was taken into the wilderness to be tested, not to show how strong He was in and of Himself, but to know the new strength available because of the Holy Spirit in Him.

You see, it’s in the lonely wilderness where there are no distractions, that we tune into God’s voice and leading. It’s there that His Holy Spirit begins to strengthen us, give us revelation on His Word, leading us into all truth. He reveals the secrets of His covenant to those who hide themselves in Him.

Last week was a wilderness week for me. I found myself on a path I didn’t want to be on but that there was absolutely no way around it. To get where I needed to be, I had to stay on this lonely road. It was full of bumps, twists and turns, rocks that cut my feet, yet I kept my eyes on my destination and kept moving.

As I lay on my bed weeping, I felt my head hit my Fathers lap as He gently stroked my hair and whispered, “Hush now sweet daughter. I’m here. There’s nothing you need to fear, just rest with me and know that I’m taking care of it all. I’ve been working on an amazing plan for you, just trust Me.”

It was so soothing that soon my crying ceased and an amazing peace fell over me like that warm blanket I’ve spoken about before. All the cares fell away, the burden to do something, anything was replaced by a confident assurance that God is able to see what I can’t and do what I’m not able to.

Strangely it reminded me of Martha, always busy serving others, and Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet. What was it He said to Martha when she complained that Mary wasn’t helping? “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

To face what I must face today, I must remain in the secret place of the only one who is able to keep me in perfect peace. The place where His strength is revealed in and through me.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness
you’ve done for me?  You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy.  You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky! Psalm 103:2-5 Passion Translation

As we close out another week, I wanted to take some time just to celebrate the goodness of our God. Even in these last couple months of craziness, I’ve walked away with an awareness of how much worse it could have been if not for the hand of God. As the old song goes; “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, tell me where would I be? Where would I be?”

Sometimes when things don’t go according to plans, we tend to get bent out of shape and complain about it. But bottom line is, it could have been far worse. I’m tempted to whine at times, but God has been so good to me. His forgiveness alone is more than I deserved. But to heal me inside and out, rescue me from hell and crown me with love and mercy, that’s way over the top.

So satisfying to have relationship with Him. He watches over me, strengthens me and causes me to soar. I can’t help but praise Him. I can’t help but thank Him for all He’s done, all He’s doing and all He will do. My past may have shaken me, but my future is blessed because He loves me and I’m still standing.

Are you still standing? Did you come out of this alive? Do you still have your peace? If you’ve answered yes to any of those three questions, you have reason to be thankful. So when people try to take your peace, remind them of what God’s done for you!

Until Next Time

Sandy G

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” John 15:1-4 NLT

I happened to look up into our huge oak tree in the front yard and noticed a large portion of one branch that was completely dead. I kept staring at it because something about it just didn’t look right. Every other part of that branch was alive and green except that one large piece. Finally I saw it. It must have come off the branch above it, probably in a previous storm, and had come to rest in the crook of a limb where it now lay.

I remembered this as I read this passage; when a branch dies, it’s because it’s becomes separated from it’s life source. It’s no longer good for anything but to feed a fire. In fact, that’s just what Jesus said in the following verses 5-8:

 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch that withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” 

What’s that mean, ‘remain in me’? Rooted and grounded in Love. If God is Love and the Father and Jesus are one, that makes Jesus Love. If we are attached to Him, our fruit will be Love. I can’t give out anything other than what I’m attached to. A corn stalk would look pretty silly with pea pods all over them. If love isn’t our fruit, we’re not attached to Jesus.

At all costs, you must stay connected to the life giving vine. His Words have that much power that we can literally ask what we want and it’s done. That’s strong! So strong that in the biggest storm, with the biggest winds, it holds us onto the vine. Love does that. Paul said these words found in Romans 8:38-39;

“So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love.  There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!”

True disciples are Love. They hold on for dear life to that Love so that they bear the fruit of Love. True disciples use the Word of Love to get what they need to build the Kingdom of Love. True disciples always live their lives of Love to bring glory to the Father.

Be Fruitful in Love,

Sandy G

I was reading through an old journal from 2009 and thought I’d share this sweet time with my Father in hopes that what you read will minister to you as it has to me.

“This is a new day and a new month. It is time to stop putting off and start running the course with patient endurance, focused on me, listening and obeying my voice. Even when what I direct you to do makes no sense to your human understanding, you must obey my direction.

“I will help you focus on task. You don’t have to think back on all the times you failed, because this time, you will get your direction from me. As Joshua walked around the city for 6 days and on the 7th day he marched 7 times and shouted and blew the trumpets, even when it made no sense, he followed my orders, He trusted my plan.

“Think about this, Joshua had never seen a battle, nor did he know what to do. That’s how it has to be with you. Don’t try to do it in yourself or by your previous knowledge or experience. Lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways, acknowledge Me and I will direct your steps.

“Do you see that with Joshua, each battle had different strategies for taking that particular city? And that even the spoils were taken differently? So shall it be that each day when you rise, I will give you the strategy to overcome your enemies that day.  You will not go with yesterdays plans, but daily you will hear my voice and obey for that day the direction I give you.

“Each morning will prepare you for what you will face that day and give the victory for the days battle.  Only do not think that the plans will be the same, for this is not only a lesson in obedience, but in trust.

“I have surely heard the cry of your heart and I say to you, the only way to have that kind of relationship, that closeness you desire, is to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me. When you seek me with all your heart you will find me, that’s a promise. And if you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the fruit of the land of plenty and dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG 

I like to do things myself, even hard things. There’s just such a great sense of accomplishment in it. But there are times when I can’t physically handle something and it is the hardest thing for me to ask for help. I feel that I should be able to do it, but since it’s not something I do often, I don’t have the muscle strength for that task. 

There are also times when I just can’t handle something emotionally. I’m overcome with emotion, I cry and mentally stomp my foot at the lack of progress in something that’s been going on for years. Those are the times I reach out to God for help. I usually hear Him say, “I didn’t design you to carry that alone.”

How would you feel if your children were going through something and you saw them frustrated, striving, pushing and stretching, possibly hurting ourselves in the process? You’d ask if they need help, right? I know when my girls ask for help, it gives me joy to assist them in anyway I can. Who knows, I may have the skill to solve the problem.

Well, God DOES have the wisdom and knowledge to put it all together. He’s waiting on us to call out to Him. So ask. Don’t just ask once, ask every time. And patiently wait for His response. His grace is enough and His mercy never ends.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.       I John 5:14-15 ERV

No doubts. That means no oscillating back and forth between two opinions. God is a good Father and wants his children well and prospering. If you know the word of God, you’ll have no problem believing what that word says.

So many Christians today opt for giving excuses as to why their prayers aren’t answered. “It was because I sinned!” when the word says, He will forgive their unrighteousness and their lawless deeds He will remember no more. Jesus forgave your past, present and future sins and God doesn’t even remember them. He looks at you through the blood of Jesus.

Doubt and fear are the weapons of choice the devil uses, not God. Satan will try to remind you of your failures, God reminds you of your future. Don’t doubt Gods deep love for you and His plans for you. They are always for good, not evil. Believe you receive what you ask for, when you ask for it, then go on your way rejoicing as if it’s already done, cause it is.

The things you’re believing for will happen first in the spirit realm before it manifests in the natural realm. That’s why Jesus said, “This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer (because He expects you to-sg)—believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 TPT

Don’t wait until it ‘feels’ right or ‘looks’ right before you move. Take a step in the direction God is showing you to go and watch Him make roads in the wilderness and streams in the desert. If He can split the Red Sea so His people could cross, trust that He will do the same for you.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

The angel told me to give Zerubbabel this message from the Lord: “You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by my spirit. Obstacles as great as mountains will disappear before you. You will rebuild the Temple, and as you put the last stone in place, the people will shout, ‘Beautiful, beautiful!’” Zechariah 4:6-7 GNT

I have this personalized and placed on my mirror. I read it like this; “Sandy, you will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by My Spirit. Obstacles as great as mountains will disappear before you. Sandy, you will rebuild the Temple, and as you put the last stone in place, the people will shout, ‘Beautiful, beautiful!'”

Whatever you’re facing may look too big for you, but remember this; it’s not your battle, it’s God’s. If He said you will win, there’s nothing that can stop you! If He said you’re healed, there’s nothing to keep it from you. If He said He’s your provider, go about your business, because He’s got this!

God loves being your hero! People might think you’re crazy but that’s ok. They didn’t think Zerubbabel would finish rebuilding the temple, but he did. Against all odds and so much opposition. You will go from a ‘nobody’ to a ‘somebody’ when you believe and trust in God.

Thank you Lord that mountains are falling before me! All obstacles that stand in my way will disappear because You cause me to succeed at everything You’ve given me to do. It’s not by what I can do in my own strength, but by Your mighty right hand and the Word You’ve spoken in the earth–it’s DONE!

Until Next Time,

Sandy G

For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise! Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory. Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all! Psalm 84:11 The Passion Translation

Can you imagine having a shield brighter than the sunrise wrapped around you like a shield. Let that sink into your spirit for a moment. Nobody can look directly at the sun, it would blind them. Imagine Satan trying to find you but He can’t see you because you’re hidden in the brilliance of the Lord of Lights.

Glory be to the Lord my Shield. He protects me and keeps me from harm or calamity and nothing can hurt me. That my friend is a trust that is only built in the secret place of the Most High God.

Generous with His gifts of grace and glory. WOW! The word grace, means a manifestation of favor or goodwill. His glory means something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration; a distinguished ornament or an object of pride. I get a picture of a Father introducing his child to all his friends, “Ya’ll, this is my daughter, Sandy Gregory! Let me show you what she built for me last week, and wait till you see what I bought for her!”

Then that last part of the passage; Those who walk along His paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for He provides it all! Who provides it all? The One who loves me, shields me, generously lavishes me with favor and goodwill, and is proud of me.

I would be amiss if I didn’t give the word integrity the same breakdown. Dictionary.com says it like this; adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished. The last part is how I must see myself, because in Christ I am whole, entire and undiminished. The old me has passed away and behold all things are made new. 

It’s how God sees me and how I must see me as well. I’m His and He showers me with His generosity just as we would our own children. Deserved or not, we love them, shield them and lavish gifts on them. We proudly introduce them as our own and shield and protect them from danger or evil schemes. How much more our heavenly Father.

Remember That Today,

Sandy G

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.” Heb 12:12-13.

It’s easy to focus on wrong things but that’s not where our eyes should be. Our eyes should be on Jesus who ran the race, took the prize and sits at the Fathers right hand forever!

But what about the times when you’ve hung on so long that your hands get tired and you’re about to fall? Invite someone to help you. If you can’t find anyone in the flesh, give a shout out to Jesus. He’s always available, always a help in time of trouble, will never leave you or forsake you. He’ll be your strength in times of weakness, your shelter in the storm. He’s my ‘go to’ guy every moment of every day.

I trust Him with my husband. I trust Him with my children. I trust Him with my grandchildren. I trust Him with my problems. I trust Him with my finances. I trust Him for discernment. I trust Him for my peace. I trust Him with my provision. I trust Him when I’m weary. I trust Him with my everything.

And because I trust Him in all of that, I can praise Him for the blessings even when they seem a long ways off. I praise Him that He’s watching over what I’ve committed to His care. I thank Him for dark times, because it makes me appreciate the light. I thank Him for the seed time, because I know harvest is inevitable.

Let’s give thanks for the blessings we have and trust God to complete the good work He began in us. We never know who’s following us, watching us, gaining strength from our journey. Winners don’t quit! They simply find a way to keep moving, to cross the finish line. Winning doesn’t mean being first, it means finishing.

Until Tomorrow I will finish strong!

Sandy G

Then I will say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged; don’t be disturbed, for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me. Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again.” Yes, living before his face is my saving grace! Psalm 43:5 Passion Translation

Sometimes I get discouraged and just want to feel sorry for myself. Have you ever felt that way? You know, when all you see is defeat, lack & everyone else seems to get blessed but those blessings slide by you like a greased monkey? It’s normal to get discouraged at times. You’re not alone, after all, the verse above was written by King David.

I was discouraged the other day about something and a friend allowed me to talk it out with her. She didn’t judge or condemn me, she simply let me talk it through. She made a few gentle reminders, encouraged me, gave me a few bites of Word to strengthen me, allowed me to pray in the Holy Ghost until I was built up again.

Look at how that verse starts, “Then I will say to my soul,” what? Yes, David talked to himself. People, it’s not wrong to talk to yourself. If you don’t, who will? He knew he had to encourage himself, to remind himself of God’s faithfulness. Doesn’t that make sense? It should! How else do you shut out the thoughts that run rampant in your mind?

Thank you David for showing us how to live before His face in His saving grace. For reminding us that we are mature sons and daughters of God, infused by His Spirit and His Blood. And thank you to all the friends who allow me to talk things out with them. I hope it helps!

Love you and we’ll catch up tomorrow,

Sandy G