Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.  Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.

 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!  But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!  We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. 1 Chronicles 29:10-15

This morning this is my praise to You oh God. There is no one in all the earth that can compare to Your great love. You created everything and saw it was good, than you gave it to us to care for. Forgive us for making such a mess of things and enable us to surrender to Your will and ways, not to mans.

We commit to follow Your Word and be seekers of You so that we may continue to reflect Your glory and be a light in a dark place. May others be drawn to the light and may we connect them with the body of Christ in the earth that we all may become one.

Today we commit ourselves to You and surrender to Your plans. Give us ears to hear and a heart to obey those plans. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Sandy G

We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 TPT

We were created to reflect the glory and power of God that is in us. It was meant to bring a light to a dark world. When Paul talks about being transfigured into His very image, that is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight, it happens as we continually surrender.

Surrender what you ask? Surrender all the areas of our life that we have clung to with a death grip. Some hold onto fear, others to their money, some to unforgiveness and the list goes on. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal to you the things you stubbornly hold onto, but until you release them, they will hinder the light He longs to pour out of you.

Have you ever noticed how windows get dirty? What causes that to happen? The elements outside and inside causes dust and dirt to collect. They lay hold on the glass and periodically need to be cleaned. With a good window cleaner and a stack of newspaper, you can get those windows to sparkle once again.

It’s the same way with the elements of the world. They cling to us and influence us to their way of thinking and doing. Before we know it, we’ve listened more to the voices in the world than the voice of God and we get cloudy and dirty just like the windows. But when you come away from the things of the world and sit in His presence, your perspective changes and you become clear minded in your purpose, willing to do what He tells you to do.

If we want to move from one brighter level of glory to another, than we must take time to cleanse the temple. This can be done through fasting and prayer, to set yourself aside from the world and gain His wisdom and understanding, to not be concerned about your own needs but the needs of others. But most of all, surrender.

If you find you’ve been caught up by the world and struggle to see clearly the path in front of you, I strongly suggest to you that you’ve been looking at the wrong things. Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Fear should have no hold on you when you spend time in the presence of the Lord. You’ll know Him in all of His glory if you simply surrender it all to Him and allow Him to cleanse you completely.

Father, open my eyes to see You and what You’re able to do through me when I give myself to Your plans and mission. Clean my lenses so that I see as You do and do as You do. I’m your daughter, therefore You’ve made me a speaking spirit to declare the works Your works and glorify You. I present myself a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to You for it’s my reasonable service. In Jesus’ name alone, Amen.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 TPT

I don’t usually walk down memory lane, but the Lord has been showing me that sometimes the things in our past encourage us because as we look back, we realize it was the hand of God that brought us through.

It was in the early 80’s when the recession hit that Walt came home to say he had just got his pink slip from the bakery he had worked at for 12 years. They were closing the doors. We had found a cute little farm house to rent and moved out to a small town in Sunfield, Michigan a year earlier. Our oldest was in school and our youngest had just started developmental kindergarten.

We were happy for the most part but this really stressed us out. It felt like someone had knocked the wind out of our sails. Walt put his resume together and immediately began looking for work but no one was hiring. After trying for months, he began to entertain the idea of moving out of state and went as far as West Virginia in an attempt to find a job. Nothing!

We had found favor with our landlords and they really liked us, so they worked out a deal to give us 3 months free rent if we would paint the exterior of the house. It wasn’t something we’d done before and it was hard work, but we were grateful and God gave us strength.

I remember looking at our cupboards and they were empty. I’d filled 2 bowls with the last of the cereal for the girls, looked at the gallon of milk and noted I had just enough for that morning. I sent the girls off to school and made ready for a trip into Lansing to celebrate my cousins birthday. I began to think of a way to explain why I wasn’t eating that day. I’d just tell them I was fasting. I had no money for a card or a gift and I began to cry out, “Lord, are you even listening?”

Quickly I heard a reply, “Do you remember the level of the milk you poured on the girls cereal this morning? Did you notice it stayed the same? What you thought would be finished, you placed back in the refrigerator. I have not forgotten you nor will I ever fail you. Did I not say I would supply all your needs?” I began to worship and tell Him how thankful I was and repented for not noticing the details.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I saw one of my aunts getting out of her car. I ran up and gave her a hug. She had a plastic bag in her hand and said, “I’m not sure why I got this because I already got her a gift. Here, you can give it to her. And by the way, I’m buying your lunch today!”

I remember it like it was yesterday, so overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness. He not only met my need, but he met my wants. He’s that good of a Father. Over the course of the next 6 months, we had groceries delivered to our dining room table twice and one was a trunk load. We had a local church provide Christmas gifts for our girls and God provided Walt with a part-time job at a butcher shop down the road.

So I just want to encourage you that God’s got this. Regardless of what you’re going through, what’s up ahead will be better because God is in you now and in your future. We’ve had lean times and we’ve had times of plenty, still just as promised, He will never see the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread.

Thank You Lord for always taking care of us and blessing us to the full till it overflows. We won’t forget what You’ve done for us nor will we forget what You’re still doing for us. You are faithful just as You promised! All glory to You, Father. I praise Your Holy Name.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Ps 121:5-8 MSG “God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you—Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke. God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.”

Get the picture? He’s all around you, above you, beneath you, in you, there is absolutely no way to get away from the fact that God is all about taking care of you. No reason for you to think you’re ever alone, He’s there.

You simply can’t go by how you feel. The more you focus on feelings the less you focus on God. The devil will always try to distract you from your purpose. Shake it off! Gods got this!

It’s time to place it in His VERY capable hands and renew your mind in the Word. Begin to speak it outloud. Declare it to the mountain, “God has this! He’s my Guardian! My steps are ordered so back off devil! I will watch as my deliverer wipes the floor with you!”

Remember who you are. You’re a child of a mighty Guardian God. If that doesn’t empower you, I don’t know what will.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

The Shepherd-King

Listen, my radiant one—
if you ever lose sight of me,
just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers.
Come with your burdens and cares.
Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds.
My dearest one,
let me tell you how I see you—
you are so thrilling to me.
To gaze upon you is like looking
at one of Pharaoh’s finest horses—
a strong, regal steed pulling his royal chariot.
Your tender cheeks are aglow—
your earrings and gem-laden necklaces
set them ablaze.
We will enhance your beauty,
encircling you with our golden reins of love.
You will be marked with our redeeming grace. Song of Songs 1:8-11 TPT

Something about knowing how God sees me that changes everything. It doesn’t matter what I feel like or what I see with my natural eyes when I look in the mirror, I am thrilling to Him. He sees me differently than I see myself and I like what He sees better than what I see.

My friend, until I see myself as God does, I will never be able to see others as He does. Until I have a revelation of what that Love looks like, I’ll never walk in that Love and Love is who changes things, people and situations.

He has enhanced my beauty by filling me with His Spirit, but until I surrender to His reins of Love, I will be an observer instead of a participator. I don’t want that! The more time I spend in His presence, the more I understand how important it is to be marked by His grace. It’s what sets me apart from the rest of the world and allows the light of His Spirit to manifest through me.

Join with me today and allow that transformation to take you deep into His presence. As He shows you how He sees you, receive it, believe it and let it change the way you see those around you. Let your surrender be the tool to shift and change everything around you, spirit, soul and body in Jesus’ name.

Love You Friend!

Sandy G

We’re all familiar with Abraham, right? Genesis 22:1-2 “Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” So without question, he went and true to Gods character, He provided a better sacrifice and Isaacs life was spared.

Have you ever had God ask you to do something and when you obey, the door seemingly slams shut in your face? Did you hear wrong? No. Its been my experience that before God opens big doors, he first tests you to see if you’re willing to go.

Please don’t get me wrong. Gods not going to uproot your life and send you here, there and everywhere. He’s merely defining your level of willingness to be what He needs you to be. He may be leading you to take vacation in a place you’ve never been just so you can speak into one persons life. Are you willing?

Perhaps it’s stopping at a different gas station so that you can meet someone who needs an encouraging word, stop a suicide, save a life. Are you willing? We must first learn to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be used where we are before He moves you to your chosen mission field in timbucktoo.

Be faithful where you are! It may be in your local church or your current job. Stop looking for something better or bigger and start listening to that still, small voice right where you are. He may first hit your pocketbook and tell you to give beyond your normal level of comfort just when you’re in need. He’ll check your obedience first in the area that’s hardest for you to yield in before he opens bigger doors for you.

The word Obedience is defined as the act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance. 

Father, I’m so thankful for your voice of wisdom and guidance in my life. Help me to always be quick to obey no matter how small or large. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT

“You are my servant. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:9b-10

Someone reading this needs to know that God is madly in love with you. He wants you focused on Him this morning and not the problem that looms large and angry before you. Speak this verse out loud and declare it to your spirit. Personalize it: God has chosen me so I won’t be afraid! He is with me so I won’t be discouraged! He is my God and He will give me strength and help me! He will hold me up with His victorious right hand!

Take that, devil! No weapon formed against me will prosper and every tongue that rises in judgement will be put down. It’s my heritage! You can’t take that from me!

My dear friend, as you go about your day continue to speak this and remember, there is no problem bigger than your God. He is not just able, but He is willing to help you and deliver you. You can take that to the bank!

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NASB

How important are the words we speak? God said that His Words will never return to Him empty, that means what He speaks must produce what He spoke them to do. We are made in His image and likeness therefore our words will also bear fruit and not return to us empty or void.

We seem to forget that our words are like seeds; good or bad, once they’re planted they will come up and bear more seed after it’s kind. What you speak over your children or grandchildren will produce, so what are yours producing? This is a short and sweet reminder to watch what you say.

When the trees you speak to today bear fruit tomorrow, may it be good fruit, sweet and full of life. Guard your tongue!

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

One day Jesus taught the apostles to keep praying and never stop or lose hope. He shared with them this illustration:

“In a certain town there was a civil judge, a thick-skinned and godless man who had no fear of others’ opinions.  And there was a poor widow in that town who kept pleading with the judge, ‘Grant me justice and protect me against my oppressor!’

“He ignored her pleas for quite some time, but she kept asking. Eventually he said to himself, ‘This widow keeps annoying me, demanding her rights, and I’m tired of listening to her. Even though I’m not a religious man and don’t care about the opinions of others, I’ll just get her off my back by answering her claims for justice and I’ll rule in her favor. Then she’ll leave me alone.’” Luke 18:1-5 TPT

I’ve always loved the story. At the very beginning it explains the reason for the story; to teach us our need for constant prayer and to never give up hope. It seems to be a continuation of the teaching to keep on knocking and the door will be opened.

We just don’t pray long enough. We pray a few times and when it doesn’t show up we use the lame excuse, “Well, perhaps it just wasn’t Gods will.” What ever happened to keep on seeking, keep on asking, keep on knocking? We’ve turned into a bunch of spoiled, microwave Christians. If we can’t get it in 3 minutes or less, we move on to something else.

I’ve been asking for something for years now and I have the assurance that if I don’t become weary and stop, I WILL GET WHAT I PRAY FOR! That’s enough for me. I will go back time and time again until I see the manifestation of what I’m believing for.

Not yet doesn’t mean never. Keep serving, keep giving, keep living, keep praying. Jesus never quit! Death wasn’t even the final blow cause He had already said He’d rise in 3 days. Stop speaking defeat and start speaking the end result.

Time to ask God to breathe life back into our dreams. An unanswered prayer is not denial, its just delayed so keep asking! Daniel prayed for 21 days before the angel of the Lord showed up. But let’s not forget that he was dispatched the first day, he encountered some opposition on the way.

Father, You are so faithful and You hear us and love us.  Because You do, what I ask according to Your Word, You will give me. Teach me to trust You even when it doesn’t show up for years. I will just keep seeking to know You more and to be available when You need me. It’s in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G