“Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’” Job 38:2-11

In what He says to Job, it made me realize that this is the God who thought of everything! Every little detail in creating the whole earth. His plan was flawless! He left nothing undone. He even placed man in charge to care for what He created. We sure screwed that us!

So every time you find yourself questioning God because He seems to not be listening or has somehow forgotten His promise to you, read these passages and remember that He is a God who never forgets. Never leaves. Always keeps His promises. Loves you always. Don’t think you have it all figured out, there’s a lot of things you don’t see and may never see. It’s about trust. He wants you to trust Him even when things don’t look right.

God has a vision for you and you may not see what He sees, but trust what He says and continue doing what He’s called you to do regardless. Know that you’re a part of a master plan and He doesn’t always share the details with you because, He is God. Your life may or may not resemble Jobs life, but know that God is faithful and if you keep your eyes on Him, His plan will certainly come to pass.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG

Walt and I recently purchased a home and moved last weekend. I won’t bore you with all the details but let’s just say it was crazy.  After months of packing and preparing, gathering information, making adjustments, changing dates, arranging movers and taking care of all the details, we were exhausted to say the least. When we had finished cleaning the condo, we were both in so much pain it felt like everything hurt. Then I did something I rarely do, I cried.

I cried because I was in pain. I cried because of all the pent up frustrations, the misunderstandings, the overwhelming feeling that I’d never be finished unpacking and putting everything away. Then I pulled myself up by my emotional bootstraps and did what needed to be done and while doing it, I began to refocus my attention on God. I thanked Him for the astounding favor and miracles in the process. I worshipped Him because He was enough and knew that He would take care me. I handed Him all of it and He gladly took it.

After a brief stop at home to unload supplies, Walt took me out to dinner and as I sat there reflecting I realized that all my pain was gone. Just like that! Just in the changing my focus from me to Him, gone! I heard Him speak to my spirit, “See what happens when you focus on me instead of the problem?”

With anything you’re giving birth to, there is pain in the process but remember this; Between contractions, take time to rest and renew your strength. Much is needed to deliver the things God has placed inside of you.

Let me coach you a moment. Don’t be distracted by anything that is not going to benefit you in your walk with the Lord during this time. Keep your eyes trained on Jesus. Watch for His direction. He will tell you when to push and when to breathe and when to rest. Do not allow the enemy to steal what is inside of you.

Just as Paul instructed us, Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. 

When I was intimate with Walt, I became pregnant and in 3 years time, I birthed two daughters who have blessed my life beyond my wildest dreams. I was reminded of this when I came before the Lord this morning, that a life of intimacy with God will do the same. It’s out of true intimacy with God that we become filled with promise.

Moses went to the mountain to spend time with God and came out covered with the glory of God. Jesus went to the mountain to spend time with God and returned full of glory and out of that glory flowed miracles. Being in the presence of God is not just a ‘feel good’ moment. We are to carry that presence to the world, bringing miracles with us.

Let me never be content to just ‘feel’ and not ‘do’. As much as I love the feelings of His presence, there comes a time when I must leave and go to work, but HOW I leave is key. I don’t leave the presence of God and say, ‘Bye now, see you tomorrow!’ No, I invite Him to accompany me to work, to show me people that need His presence.

We were created to be containers of the Glory of God. It’s the constant exposure to something or someone that changes us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 CEB says, “All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” How are we changed? In His presence.

I’m not who I was 10 years ago, for that matter, a year ago because His presence changes me, prepares me for something bigger than myself. If you’ve ever said, ‘I want more!’ God heard that and is filling you so that you can be that carrier to fill the earth with His Glory.

Father, may who I used to be, be lost in the shadow of Your presence. I want to live within the beauty of Your holiness so that others may be changed by Your glory in me. I love You so much! Guide my steps so that it crosses paths with those who need the wonder of Your grace and mercy. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

A prayer for those who are overwhelmed and for all the discouraged who come
to pour out their hearts before the Lord
Lord, listen to my prayer! Listen to my cry for help! You can’t hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Stoop down to hear my prayer and answer me quickly, Lord! For my days of happiness have gone up in smoke. My body is raging with fever, my heart is sick, and I’m consumed by this illness—withered like a dead leaf. I can’t even eat. I’m nothing but skin and bones. Nothing’s left of me but whispered groans. I’m depressed, lonely, forgotten, and abandoned. I’m sleepless, shivering in the cold, forlorn and friendless, like a lonely bird on the rooftop. My every enemy mocks and insults me incessantly. They even use my name as a curse to speak over others! Because of your great and furious anger against me, all I do is suffer with sorrow, with nothing to eat but a meal of mourning. My crying fills my cup with salty tears! In your wrath you have rejected me, sweeping me away like dirt on the floor. My days are marked by the lengthening shadows of death. I’m withering away and there’s nothing left of me. 

But then I remember that you, O Lord, still sit enthroned as King over all! The fame of your name will be revealed to every generation.  I know you are about to arise and show your tender love to Zion. Now is the time, Lord, for your compassion and mercy to be poured out—the appointed time has come for your prophetic promises to be fulfilled! Psalm 102:1-11 TPT

There are times when I’m battling something in my life that I just need to empty my heart out to the Lord. Just as David did here, I cry out. To be honest, there are things I face in life that are hard. It could involve my children, my spouse, our health, a loss or even lack. Just as I pour out old coffee from the pot and start fresh every morning, I need to just get it out.

But then I remember…….

That is the key, isn’t it. David always ended his emptying by filling his mind up with the majesty of God. He remembered who the real King was and then gave Him praise for His great faithfulness. He reminded God of His Word and rested in the knowledge that a Kings word is sovereign (has supreme rank, power and authority). In other words, He put God in His rightful place-over all!

There is nothing wrong with crying, feeling discouraged or depressed. I’d be lying if I said it’s not in my nature! But I’ve trained myself to change my focus from me to Him. I’m aware of the problem, but I won’t allow it to overwhelm me. When it tries to elevate its ugly head and obstruct my view, I lift my eyes to Him because that’s where my help comes from.

I will praise You oh Lord, Your face is all I seek today. I’m aware I have an enemy, but You’re bigger then any enemy I can or cannot see. There’s times when I can’t see the sun because the sky is full of clouds, but You lift me above the clouds and the Son is always shining there.

Every obstacle in my path, You’ve provided a way over it, around it or through it. I will look to You for direction, I will seek Your wisdom for You see and know everything and it’s Your pleasure to share that knowledge with me.

Your praise will continually be in my mouth today as I place my trust in You. I leave it all in Your very capable hands. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things. Philippians 4:8-9 Passion Translation

It’s not always easy to keep your mind thinking right thoughts, but it’s so crucial to maintaining your peace of mind. I don’t know about you, but living in turmoil is not where I want to stay! I need peace in my life! Not peace that’s found in this world, but the peace of God which is beyond comprehension. It guards my heart and my mind!

We’ve all heard the expression, “What you feed-grows & what you starve-dies.” This is so true in every area of our lives, but in our thought lives is it doubly important. Why? Because every word that comes out of our mouth begins in our minds. The things we hear become the things we think on, which become the words we speak, which shows up in the garden of our lives.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death is in the power of the tongue and those who love it eat the fruit of it.” That’s why Paul specifically showed us to think on good things. It produces the peace of God. If you want to change the drama in your life, change what and who you’re listening to and choose to think right thoughts.

Anything that robs me of my peace-it’s out of here! I refuse to think ill of people, even if they’re being jerks! We all came from the same Father and somewhere inside of them is undiscovered DNA brimming with potential and possibilities. I choose to think good thoughts about them and pray for them because that’s what I’m compelled to do. I refuse to be frustrated by things or people I can’t control or have a right to.

Finally I will be God focused. I will think on His vast love for me, His blessings on my life and that He’s always with me. When I’m tempted to complain, I will thank Him for the Word that is active in my life, constantly working all things out for His glory. I will take inventory of His generosity to me, for truly the blessings of the Lord never leave us lacking for anything.

So may God shower his peace upon you, my beloved friends. And may the blessings of faith and love fill your hearts from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. (Ephesians 6:23 TPT)

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 Message

I can’t change yesterday; it’s over and done with, but I can call for a better today and tomorrow. So many are making New Years resolutions. Some are simple, some are severe and unrealistic. Some call for extreme changes in lifestyle or society, some commit to going to church every Sunday, losing 100 lbs, never eating sweets again, working out everyday. They typically last about 30 days before falling into the same old patterns of last year.

I’m doing something different this year. Instead of making a resolution to make lasting changes, I’m committing my ways to the Lord, delighting in him each day, enjoying my life, giving my worship, continuing in the Word. Each day he has given me is a gift and I will find enjoyment in it, whether I must work or stay home. I will find ways to encourage others and show them a love that never fails.

What will I get out of this? I will have stability because I place my trust in Him. Outside the storm may rage but inside I will have peace. I may be tempted to fear because of what I see, but I know it won’t come near me. I trust His Word and I trust in Him. Other people may fail me, shoot, I may fail them, but God will never fail so I’ll keep my eyes on Him and follow His example.

I will speak blessings over people and not curses! I pray you’ll commit to doing the same. You will reap what you sow, so make sure that the words of your mouth give life to others then you’ll be rewarded by seeing them flourish while your own garden produces the very same generosity. Be a life giver by focusing on the good not the bad.

So bye-bye 2018! It’s been a good year and I’ve seen the blessing of the Lord in so many ways. I won’t dwell on the poor decisions, the regrets of the last season, what others have done or not done. I will keep my eyes on Jesus, not even on what lies ahead. As long as I’m following Him, I won’t get lost or find myself alone. He has a plan and I’m excited to see what it is.

[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Ephesians 3:19 Amplified

Oh now THATS a good word Paul! How do you come to know something? Through experience for yourself. You can say you know, but until you’ve gone through it yourself, you can’t truly understand how it feels.

If you’ve lost a close friend, you can empathize with someone going through that. If you’ve had back pain, you can truly understand back pain. If life has taken you down the unemployment line and it’s severely affected your income, your heart goes out to those who are going through that. Experience is indeed the best teacher.

The same goes with the love of God; once experienced, it becomes more then head knowledge, it’s heart knowledge.  You’ve been touched by it, changed by it, moved by it, forgiven of an unpardonable sin by it, healed of an incurable disease by it. You’ve been rescued from certain death by it. It’s reached into the very depths of your soul and shown you the reason, filled you with hope and enabled you to love others with the same love the Father has for you.

Why? So that in the emptying of the old you, there’s finally room to be filled full of Him. “A body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!” Can you even imagine? It was Paul who said, “Christ in me the hope of glory.” Glory being big power. Not just a little current running through the system to power a toaster, but the full out power of Almighty God, transforming you into His image.

For years I’ve cried out for more! I want to be so full of God that it spills out of me onto others. I must become small so that God can be big in me. Until the first thing others see is the love of God and the last thing they experience is His power working through me.

Oh Father, I’m forever forgiven. I’m forever healed. I’m forever changed, now help me to be so much like You that the same life I’ve experienced may change others. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

“For with God nothing will be impossible!” Luke 1:37

What? NOTHING? How about debt? How about cancer? Wait, wait, what if you were born with a birth defect? Well, what if you were paralyzed in an accident? What if it’s something you did to yourself? Does that REALLY mean that?

Lets back the scripture up, put it in context if you will. An angel just appeared to Mary to tell her she was blessed and highly favored of the Lord, chosen to give birth to the Son of God. To verify the news he was delivering, he just happened to mention that Elizabeth was pregnant. Really? Old Elizabeth? What more could she say but, ““Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”

Perhaps if we would read the Word over our impossible and get into our spirits that nothing is impossible with God, things would begin to change in our lives and in our world.

What impossible thing are you facing? Why don’t you speak out loud to that thing, WITH GOD, NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE! Begin to speak to it as God would. If we’re children of God, let us act like, talk like, be like Him. If God be for me, who can be against me?

Throw off oppression like it were a blanket. Everything the enemy would throw at you, throw it back. “I’ll not take that, I have a promise of healing, of prosperity, of deliverance.”

It took 9 months after the seed was planted for the Son of God to appear. I encourage you to hang on, wait on the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart if you just trust and seek His face. How long before the promise manifest? Whats that to you. Simply trust and believe for with God, NOTHING will be impossible.

Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth had wanted a child, prayed for a child, cried out for a child, now they were well past childbearing years and all hope was gone. They lived quiet lives serving in the temple. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.

But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He’ll achieve great stature with God.” Luke 1:13-15 MSG

Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”

But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.” Luke 1:18-20 MSG

Have you ever been given a word from the Lord? A promise from long ago that hasn’t yet come to pass? There’s nothing you can do but hope and sometimes that’s a struggle. How long do I have to wait? Will I ever see it? I’m getting old now so what’s the point?

I’m here to remind you that it’s all in God’s time. God specializes in impossible surprises. He likes to see the looks on mans face when they thought they had a plan and God comes along and shows them who’s really in control. It’s not about you or your timing, it’s about God’s plan and His timing. Don’t assume you know, just place your hope in the one who does.

All throughout the bible we read about men and women who said yes to God and did great things. When it’s time, it will happen. God just wants your yes. Once you give it, just continue doing, learning, growing and at the right moment, your promise will be fulfilled and you’ll be jumping for joy in the presence of the Lord.

Father, You had my yes when You asked me, now I will keep my eyes on You and continue honing my skill of listening and obeying. Even when it’s hard, I’ll do it. When there’s risk involved, I’ll do it. My life is Yours and I humbly bow before you in service. It’s in Jesus’ name and for His glory. Amen

So much to be thankful for. I woke up this morning and was reminded how good God is to us. Laying next to a wonderful man for almost 43 years, one who treats me with honor and respect, who loves God more then me but reflects that love to me daily. A girl couldn’t ask for a better gift then that.

And far away in another state I have two beautiful daughters who love God and love me. What a wonderful gift they are! I don’t take that for granted at all but appreciate it for what it is. Relationship takes work but like a garden, it produces what you plant. It’s a perfect garden to me that keeps yielding good fruit.

Some of that fruit is the grand children I have. Each one of them as unique as a snowflake, gifted, talented givers, investing the love of God in everyone they meet. I love watching them create their own gardens by valuing others over themselves. God has His hand on them and will use them according to His plans.

And to each of you my friends and family, who faithfully read my blogs and encourage me to write, such a gift you are to me. God knew who I needed in this journey and gave me you. I will never forget what you’ve done and never cease to pray Gods great blessings on you. May this next year blow you away! May you be constantly in awe as His hand rests on you.

Merry Christmas! Be blessed and I love you!

Sandy Gregory-Gods Daughter