While reading in Hebrews CEB this morning, I noticed the title of this portion of scripture said, “Run The Race With Discipline” and continued with these verses 3-6: “Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up. In your struggle against sin, you haven’t resisted yet to the point of shedding blood, and you have forgotten the encouragement that addresses you as sons and daughters: My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline or give up when you are corrected by him, because the Lord disciplines whomever he loves, and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts.”

Sometimes, when we’re going through an exceptionally hard trial, it’s good to remember what Jesus went through. The only ones who accepted him were those who needed what he provided. But those were the first to turn on him and yell ‘crucify’ when given money by the religious leaders. Fickle people. And such were some of us!

When we don’t get what we want, we just give up, thinking that maybe God doesn’t love us as much as He does someone else. He calls us sons and daughters because He loves us, and as Paul said, He disciplines the ones He loves.

So when things aren’t so perfect in our lives, we need to yell out, “HE LOVES ME! I’M HIS OWN!” He’s only setting us on the right path so that we’ll be where He needs us when He returns to take us home.

Home sweet home. Let’s keep in mind that where we are today is not our home. We’re merely leasing for a period of time. Someday, He will call out to us, “Lease is up! Time to move on!” Don’t be so comfortable with your surroundings that you lose sight of who’s you are and where you’re going.

Remember what happened when Lots’ wife looked back with longing and turned into a salty statue. Let’s keep our eyes longing for our prize; Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith.

Sandy G

Praise the Lord, my soul. Forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2 NIV

I began to write some of them this morning; home, car, furniture, food, electricity, running water, clothes, bank acct, health, peace, joy, love of family, great church….the list went on and on until I was overcome & in awe.

To focus on the plenty instead of the lack changes everything. The battle wages around us, but we remain stable in His arms.

Where’s your focus today? At 1:30 this morning, my focus was getting back to sleep (which didn’t happen). When I finally managed to crawl out of bed at 4:30, I realized that I could either focus on my lack of sleep or be thankful for the few I had. My choice. It’s always my choice!

I can focus on what I need or be thankful for what I have. I can murmur and complain, or be thankful and happy. Who would you rather be around today? Whiners or winners? Be a creator of joy today by keeping your attitude and focus right.

Father, I praise you because you are God and worthy of all praise. For what you’ve provided, I thank you! I will not forget all the benefits I have discovered in serving and surrendering to You. Today, may it be like I had 10 hours of sweet sleep, and may my body be strengthened for the task I have ahead of me. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

“The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, non working) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.” Matthew 12:35-37 Amplified

I recently heard a message on this and thought I’d share my take on it. If you have a bank account, the only thing you can put in it is money, right? If you keep putting money in, you can keep taking money out. You can’t take love out of a bank account. You can’t take food out of a bank account. You can take money out and buy food, but you can only take out what you have put in.

Well, anyone who puts good things in their heart and mind will be able to withdraw good things and speak into others out of that treasure, but if you have deposited nothing into the account, you can’t withdraw from my account, her account or his account without having access to it. Am I right?

Ok, when we accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives, He gave us access to everything in His account and it’s accessed through His Word by speaking it and trusting in the Word, knowing that it cannot return empty but does what it’s sent forth to do. So that makes His Word is our withdrawal slip.

He’s provided everything we need for life and godliness and it’s all in the account of His Word. We can’t be speaking things opposite of God’s Word and expect to receive what was purchased for us by the blood of His Son. We can’t be loose lipped and say whatever we feel like saying and think there are not consequences, namely, getting what we speak. From the very beginning of time, God spoke and created. We were made in His image and likeness and yet we think we won’t get what we say?

I remember as a child getting my mouth washed out with soap for speaking a lie. It was to teach me that there are consequences to the things I say. Some of us need our mouths washed out with soap! We need to wash out our minds (by washing it with the Word Eph 5:26) and cast down thoughts that are contrary to the Word (II Corinth 2:5) so that we can begin to trust in the only one who has never broken His promises to us. It’s never too late to begin to make right deposits based on faith, not feelings.

Sandy G

And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults. Mark 11:25 TPT

I always loved playing peekaboo with my grandkids. Hiding behind my hands never really hid me, but as soon as my hand went up, it would always invoke a smile because they knew what was coming.

There are times in life when we try to hide our anger or hurt under a hand too small to cover. Everyone around us sees it. They feel the affects of it in our attitude towards them and others. If it were a neon light, it would be flashing. Yet we just choose to adjust ourselves to this new addition to our lives.

And we wonder why our prayers aren’t answered. We ask whether God still hears? Does He still do miracles today? The answer to that is a resounding yes.

So when will that happen? When you decide to forgive and let it go. If Jesus could forgive you for all you’ve done, you can also forgive them for what they’ve done.

Where can you lay it down where it won’t continually plague your mind? Under the blood of Jesus. It’s a place that covers and keeps covering. It makes us whole and healthy again.

“OH precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Sandy G

No one will be able to oppose you successfully as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never neglect you or abandon you.
Joshua 1:5 GW

Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of them! The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 GW

I hope you’re getting the picture here: God can’t leave you, neglect, or abandon you. Regardless of how you feel about it, every giant you’ve faced, every battle you’ve fought, every mountain you’ve climbed, and the lonely valleys you’ve crossed, He was there.

I don’t know what the problem is on this long journey you’ve been on, but let me remind you of this; He can’t lie. If you’re tired, He says, “Come to Me all who are weary and I’ll give you rest.”

It’s in the tough times that you’re instructed to learn who He is and what He’s able to do. To trust Him, not yourself.

Remember the song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

When you focus your attention on Him in the chaos, everything looks different. It’s not so overwhelming when you’re distracted. When you remember who you serve and that you’re His to care for, you just keep moving and praising Him.

So today, the only thing you need to know is He’s with you. Whatever you’re going through, He is too.

Sandy G

Psalms 91:14-16 NLT The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Do you love the Lord? He will rescue you! Do you trust the Lord? He will protect you! Have you called on Him? He will answer you! Are you in trouble? He will be with you to rescue & treat you as His most prized possession. Long life is yours, not just enough!

He will show you his salvation. What does he save you from? Not just sin, but lack, sickness, disease, trouble, fear, your enemies, worry, distress, did I mention everything? He is your rock, fortress, deliverer, shelter, mighty God who saves.

There is none like Him in all the earth, but lets not stop there. None like him in the heavens, the galaxies. No problem too big for our God.

So awesome in greatness and power yet He cares so much about you that He never misses your worship. He scoops it up and smiles. He would do anything for you. Oh wait, did I mention how much he loves you?

Think about this for the day! Especially when things go contrary to what you’re believing for. God is not deaf! He has a plan, and he’s working in your situations right now. You just have to trust him.

Sandy G

My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 GW

Why does God place things in your heart to do that costs money? Because the God of the vision is the God of the provision. He provides for those who trust Him and are willing to believe.

In everything God asks of you, there’s your part, and there’s Gods part. You do your part, and He will always do His.

Why do you think Satan always attacks your thoughts? Because if you don’t doubt, he knows you will have what you’re believing for. It’s just a little something to think about today.

Sandy G

Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. James 1:5 ERV

I think that most of us need to make this a priority prayer request of God on a daily basis. I know I do! So why is it that when we can’t figure things out, we sit and worry about it?

God says if we need wisdom, ask! Man, I’d rather have Gods wisdom than anyone else’s. So seriously, why don’t we? Is it easier to google search for answers to difficult questions? Have we become people who think more highly of the things and ways of the world than the things and ways of God?

Everything we need for life is in the Word. How dumb are we for not opening the book with all the answers? I don’t want to get it from someone else who puts their own twist on it. I want to get it out of my relationship with God. God search, yeah, that’s what I’ll call it.

Jeremiah 20:13 says, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

There is nowhere to find answers but in you, Lord. Forgive me for ever trying to find those answers in the things of this world. Silly, silly me! I want to be wise like you, God. Knowing good from evil, discerning the times, encouraging, blessing, caring, and loving. I want to know how to listen and hear your voice clearly, without distraction. I want to be quick to obey, not let my flesh have its way. I ask for wisdom. Give me an understanding heart. Help me to trust in you, not me.

Sandy G

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise its voice?
Proverbs 8:1 GW

We must have a holy desperation for God. We can’t just call out to him when things are going bad in our lives. We must be so desperate that our hunger for more drives us to know him in our good times.

It’s knowing who God is that gives us peace regardless of our journey. Love is not a feeling. It’s a person, Jesus Christ.

So call out today. Call, and He will answer and show you things you need to know on your journey.

Sandy G

“They are going to throw you to the wolves and kill you, everyone hating you because you carry my name. And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throats, everyone hating each other.

“In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in-nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

“Staying with it-that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news-the Message of the kingdom-will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will one.” Matthew 24:9-14 Message

This seems to accurately describe our current affairs. Never have we seen such blatant hatred loosed on the earth. Satan himself must be rubbing his hands together in triumph.

Seems we need reminding that when God is for us, who indeed can be against us? I don’t know about you, but I’m more sure God is bigger today. He will take care of Satan and in one snap of His fingers, is able to put him in his place. In other words, it ain’t over till God says it’s over!

Let’s continue to encourage each other in the faith, knowing that although the days are indeed evil, they will get much worse before Jesus comes back for His own. Regardless of the risk, let’s not forget that the love and light in us, is the only hope this world has. Keep on keeping on. It would be darker if we were not in the world, so let it shine!

Sandy G