Mark 6:45-51 TPT
After everyone had their meal, Jesus instructed his disciples to get back into the boat and go on ahead of him and sail to the other side to Bethsaida. So he dispersed the crowd, said good-bye to his disciples, then slipped away to pray on the mountain. As night fell, the boat was in the middle of the lake and Jesus was alone on land. The wind was against the disciples and he could see that they were straining at the oars, trying to make headway. When it was almost morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the surface of the water, and he started to pass by them. When they all saw him walking on the waves, they thought he was a ghost and screamed out in terror. But he said to them at once, “Don’t yield to fear. Have courage. It’s really me—I Am!” Then he came closer and climbed into the boat with them, and immediately the stormy wind became still. They were completely and utterly overwhelmed with astonishment.

There is a lot to unpack in this story, but what I’d like to talk about is what happened when Jesus got in the boat and how it pertains to you and I.

First of all, Jesus, who knows all, including what his followers were going to face going across that lake, still told them to go.

He didn’t warn them. He gave them an assignment and a destination. That’s it! Get in the boat and go to the other side.

Maybe you can relate to this, I know I sure can. Step ones usually not that bad, but when you run into opposition, suddenly you begin to doubt your assignment. I mean, how long do you have to put up with the wind and waves? Seems like if Jesus gave an assignment, he’d make it an easy ride to the destination, right?

Wrong. We expect life to be easy. We’re doing our best to make it to heaven but this earth thing? It’s hard. Lots of evil. Nations rise against Nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, children against parents, etc.

I think we’ve forgotten our assignment: Be light. Be salt. Show love. Here’s the real key to getting through the pressure and opposition, look for Jesus and let Him into your boat. It’s only than that peace comes.

It doesn’t mean you won’t still experience all the waves. It means you’ll have deeper trust in Jesus. Don’t be afraid.

I leave you with this: Psalms 91:9-10 TPT
When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?

Sandy G

Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

The verses previous to this is God reminding the Israelites how He delivered them from Egypt. Than He says, forget all that. Why? Because as humans, we get hung up on the ways God did it in the past. What is wrong with that, you ask?

Well, it limits you and also limits God. If you lower your expectations, you begin to look for ways to solve your own problems, no longer having faith in God.

What if the lack you’re experiencing is because you refuse to see God as your provider or healer? What if you’re entertaining the only way you’ve seen in this worlds system?

It’s almost as though you’re blocking the train because you refuse to step off the tracks. Get out of Gods way! Let Him do whatever He wants to do to provide for you. Whether it’s financial or healing, know that it will not be like it was before.

God wants to be glorified in this earth through you and me. When it happens, cause it will, let everyone know it was God. Give Him the glory. Have faith in God, not yourself or your ways.

Sandy G

Matthew 5:1-2 MSG “When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.”

Had I not read this in the Message version, I may have never seen this; the committed, climbed with him and when they arrived at a QUIET place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.

This just confirms the importance of our quiet time with the Lord. These men risked everything to follow Jesus. They left all they knew, homes, families, jobs, friends, just to make the climb of their life. And they did it to be rewarded with one on one teaching with the Master.

I’ve had to cut off relationships, social activities, and even church events because I heard a call to come higher. That call is given to each of us daily, but our choices dictate our actions. When will enough be enough? When will you grow weary of just being like everyone else, fitting in, being accepted?

Salvation goes way beyond having our sins forgiven. Salvation has placed us back in our original state of fellowship with God. Ruling, reigning overcomer’s, who make a difference in our world, not merely existing to satisfy our flesh. If we do not plug into our energy source, Jesus, and daily charge ourselves with His glorious light, we will lose our power, our lights will grow dim and we will be ineffective to the darkness around us.

So what will it be, fellow climber? Will you shake off the lethargy of your humdrum life and enter into the extreme life of a mountain climber? It’s something we may never do in the natural, but in the Spirit realm, we can scale the slippery slopes of impossibly shear cliffs just knowing who we’re climbing with.

You’re never alone! I’m a climber too, and our ropes are linked together. Wherever two or three are gathered together, He’s right here to show us the way.

Sandy G

“So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require? So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself” Matthew 6:31-34 TPT

Have you ever worried? Well I’m not gonna lie, I’ve definitely been down that road more times than I care to admit. But I’ve seen Gods provision so many times that I no longer freak out about tomorrow. I keep my eyes on Jesus and refuse to go there.

Philippians 4:6-7 TPT, backs up Jesus’s words:
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.

So when I get a bad report or have a pressing need, I bring it to the Father and remind Him of His promises of provision, protection and healing. Than I worship and praise Him that He is the same God who has taken care of me in the past and He will continue to do it in my future.

I refuse to give away my peace by focusing on worst case scenarios. I’ve decided those things are mere distractions. They’re trying to get my focus off God and my mission of spreading love and encouragement and on to a problem I wasn’t meant to solve.

I’ve decided to leave everything with Jesus, than walk away and watch for opportunities to make a difference in the world. Do you know how many people are out there needing someone who will listen? How many need a hug, a cup of coffee?

Be kind. Show love. Share Jesus. Don’t worry. Trust God and hold tight to your peace.

Sandy G

Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for He will never disappoint you! Psalms 27:14 TPT

It’s taken awhile for me to learn that I didn’t always get what I wanted, I didn’t even see that I got what I needed until suddenly I saw the reason for the delay. One example came to me while talking with a friend and talking about God’s timing.

The September before Walt died, he found out our oldest daughter was moving suddenly and had to have a giant yard sale to get rid of accumulated stuff. Weirdly, Walt absolutely loved yard sales. He loved packing. He loved chatting up people. And mostly, he loved helping his girls. Family was important and he wanted to be there for her.

We didn’t know he had pancreatic cancer. He had no symptoms and although I was concerned that he’d be traveling alone, after going over the details of his itinerary, he assured me he’d be fine.

He made lots of memories with Stacy and her family. Got to see the grandkids. Stayed for 3 weeks and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

He got to the airport way earlier than he needed to be and was wheeled to his gate and seated next to a disabled Marine veteran with 2 hours to kill they began to talk. Before long they began talking about his disability and told Walt he should apply for service related case due to agent orange and Vietnam. You see, Walt was diabetic and if he could benefit monetarily, it was worth a try.

As soon as he got home he pulled all his Navy papers and gathered them in a folder. Then he made an appointment for October 1st and began the process. We signed release of records and the lady gathering all the information asked if he wanted to add me as beneficiary to which he said absolutely.

Walt died on 12/30/2023. It took over a year to settle the case. I lost my job in April 2025 and the VA was just the income I lost.

So, Stacy saw her dad for the last time. He received information about the VA benefits and applied. Because he filed, they continued until it was approved and God provided for my loss of income.

I know this was long, but hey, it’s the last Monday of the uear. Sometimes you just don’t see what God is working on in the unseen. Keep on waiting for He will never disappoint

SandyG.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” Luke 2:9-14 TPT

I love this story. How God sent angels to light up the heavens and give simple shepherds the best reveal ever. God sent His son.

A rescuer was born for everyone everywhere.  That wonderful news is celebrated every year at Christmas. At least it should be.

Sometimes I feel like the meaning has become lost somehow. The gift God gave us has become secondary to the lights and tinsel, the gifts under the tree.

Everyone asks what we’re doing for Christmas this year to which I answer, “We’re keeping it simple. We’re remembering the greatest reveal.”

So this Christmas, before you open all the gifts and get caught up in all the whoopla. Read Luke 2 and imagine yourself standing in the field with all the shepherds as the angels made the announcement. Lift your hands to the heavens and be thankful for all God’s done.

It’s the right thing to do.

Merry Christmas

Sandy G

Here’s what Yahweh says to you: “I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.
If you reach out to me, you will find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will not disappoint you,” declares Yahweh. “All that you have lost, I will restore, Jeremiah 29:11-14a TPT

I’ve always loved this passage, but as I read it in The Passion Translation, I picked up some extra personal details.

He knows the marvelous destiny He has in store for me, a future planned out in detail. Details He didn’t share in advance with me. It seems like He’d of given me a heads up at least. But really, like it or not, they are His plans and the not knowing has simply driven me deeper into His arms. Trusting Him is my only choice.

And read the next part about His intentions. His intention is not to harm me but to surround me with peace and prosperity and to give me a beautiful future, glistening with hope.

Why does our mind always go anywhere else? Why do we slide into despair? Question His ways when He clearly states His intentions right here?

And at that time we must reach for Him. Stretch out our heart and give Him our worship and song knowing His ways aren’t meant for us to question or even understand. It’s already planned and we’re already positioned.

He will never disappoint me and everything I’ve lost along the way will be restored. I know He is forever faithful.

You can trust Him too. You don’t need to always know what’s up ahead. Just trust that He does. Keep your hand in His and He’ll direct your steps.

Sandy G

For all of God’s promises find their “yes” of fulfillment in him. And as his “yes” and our “amen” ascend to God, we bring him glory! 2 Corinthians 1:20 TPT

As I listened to our pastor preach an amazing message on Sunday, I was reminded that just because we don’t always see something that’s been promised, manifested, doesn’t mean it’s untrue.

When God gives a promise, it’s our faith that connects what’s been said to its realization. Let me show you an example.

Abraham received a promise of blessing that he first heard. It required him to do something he’d never done, leave what was familiar to go somewhere he’d never been, trusting a God he’d didn’t know. Read the story. I’m not making this up.

He eventually received the promise even though he didn’t see it right away. It took awhile. A whole journey with God took him to places and led him to people. It was crazy. No straight roads or calming waters. But the end was far greater than he could have imagined.

I’ve received promises that are yet to have manifested. Did I hear wrong? Take a wrong turn? No. He was clear in what He said, and there’s nothing wrong with my hearing.

He’s my healer. He’s my provider. He’s my present help in time of trouble. He’s my deliverer. He’s my shield. My strong tower. Nothing shall by any means harm me. Does my current situation change who God is? Does it make Him a liar?

Absolutely not! My job is to believe. My role is to stay close to my Father, to listen and obey. To trust His timing. To not be fearful. What He said was done the moment He spoke it. It will come to pass in my life when it’s time. I will focus on Him not the things I’ve gone through or am currently facing.

He’s forever faithful to keep ALL His promises. As long as I have breath, I will praise Him. As long as my fingers can still type, I’ll encourage you and others on their own journey.

Don’t give up because it’s been a long time. He never forgets His promises. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Sandy G

Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. James 1:17 TPT

With all the nonsense going on in the world today, isn’t it great to know that you can actually believe what the Word says? Better yet, you can constantly be streaming it on your devices or just download it into your heart and mind.

Perhaps you need to hear that God is with you. Isaiah 41:13 TPT I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’

You could just need assurance that He heals. Psalms 103:3 TPT You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.

You’re assured of provision. Psalms 136:25 TPT He provides food for hungry men and animals! His tender love for us continues on forever!

Just keep them streaming in your mind until it becomes louder than the other noise trying to drown out His Word. Remember that His Word never fails.

Sandy G

Faith motivated Abraham to obey God’s call and leave the familiar to discover the territory he was destined to inherit from God. So he left with only a promise and without even knowing ahead of time where he was going, Abraham stepped out in faith. Hebrews 11:8 TPT

As I lay in bed last night trying to go to sleep, I began thinking about faith. Lots of verses raced through my mind. This one was first, than “Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.”

By far the best is Jesus teaching faith to the disciples:
Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! Listen to the truth I speak to you: Whoever says to this mountain with great faith and does not doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 TPT

Boldly believe. Be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours.

I’ve memorized, lived by and taught this to so many people over the course of time that it’s become my mantra.

So Sandy, what happens when your faith is unwavering and after 4 years, and 3 surgeries later, the masses have taken up a life of their own and the only option is chemo? Do you feel you’re throwing in the towel and giving up on God and faith?

Absolutely not. I look at it like this: God never changes. He never fails. He always keeps His promises. His Word is His bond. Even if I screw it all up, maybe wavered or doubted a little, His grace is enough. His is made perfect in my weakness.

Being flexible and trusting God in every situation is who I am. Knowing that science is always subject to the Chief Scientist, that’s who I trust. Knowing even before the end results that my God knew my end from my beginning is reassuring.

I had a friend remind me of something I knew but needed reminding as only friends can do. God is bigger than Cancer. Actually, He’s bigger than any disease.

So I encourage you today, keep your eyes on Him. Don’t allow anyone or anything to become bigger than your loving Heavenly Father. He is the author and finisher of your faith.

Sandy G