And a man’s foes will be they of his own household. He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life]. Matthew 10:36-39 Amplified

Jesus had a way of keeping it clear, didn’t He. There are many who have been persecuted around the world, and it usually begins with your family. Clearly, Jesus knew something here.

We must love the Father and choose to follow Him regardless of what others around us say, and trust me, they will try to say plenty. No one knows you better than family, but those same people can keep you stuck in your now when God wants to take you to another place, a place so deep you will be lost in his love, forgiveness and mercy.

I choose the higher life! I’m not responsible for what others do with their lives, but I am responsible for my own. When He said, “Come, take up your cross and follow me!” I did not hesitate or look back. Thankfully, after about 6 months, my husband made the same choice, and we took the journey together. We weren’t always on the same path, but I decided that even if I had to walk it alone, I would follow Him anywhere.

I would rather go to the utmost parts of the earth with God than spend eternity without Him. Your family isn’t your only mission field. Sometimes they are someone elses.

Sandy G

But if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones, came with glory so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was. 2 Corinthians 3:7 NASB2020

This morning, I was thinking about Moses and the time he spent before the Lord. The bible says his face shone with the glory of God so bright that the people had him cover his face.

It seems that many of us think we can have that same glory without spending time in Gods presence. Impossible! The more time you spend with someone, the more you are like them. You can not be clean unless you take a shower first and use soap. Time in Gods presence changes who you were. Old things are gone, and all things become new.

It’s time to burn with passion for the presence of the fire we were created to carry. It is time to flip the switch and go from powerless to powerful.

Set a fire in us, oh God. We want those around us to catch fire from the burning. It’s our desire to be more like you, but that will only happen when we are with You more than the world. It’s all about You, Lord.

Sandy G

I long to drink of you, O God, to drink deeply from the streams of pleasure flowing from your presence. My longings overwhelm me for more of you! Psalms 42:1 TPT

Sometimes, when I eat something really good, I’ll ask for a to-go box so I can have some later. That was my thought when visiting with the Lord this morning. It was so good, I just wanted to take Him along with me to work.

I think that is what made David such a successful king and warrior. He didn’t just need God on occasion. He didn’t just call on God when there was trouble. David spoke of His goodness and called on Him early in the morning and all day long. David realized that no matter what the course of his life, he needed God.

I need you, Father! It was never your plan that I become independent of you. I need you as a wife & mom, as a teacher & worshipper, as a friend & encourager. I need you when I shop and work, but especially when I drive.

In balancing my checkbook and my life, I need you. I’ll take you everywhere I go and enjoy the fellowship with you. Like sun shining through the darkness, I will be light for you.

Sandy G

Philippians 1:6 “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.”

Is anything too difficult for our God? If He can bring a valley of dry bones together to form a mighty army, will He only do a partial healing? A partial provision? A partial miracle?

What are you believing for? Stop limiting the limitless power of the mighty God that lives inside of you. There’s absolutely nothing too difficult for Him.

If our deliverance had anything to do with us, we’d all be in deep trouble. Be desperate after the heart of God and watch as He shows up and deliberately sets you free!

Sandy G

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:21‭-‬24 NASB2020

Our pastor shared this word with us yesterday for Father’s Day. There were some aspects of the message that I felt needed to be shared because Satan is always out to steal our identity and convince us we’re not worthy.

Let me start by saying that in the first part of the verses, the son has been convinced of the narrative he tells his father. But it didn’t matter to the father how his son felt about himself. He ignored what the son said and ordered his outcome.

The son saw himself as unworthy. He saw himself as a servant, not a son. But his father never thought less of him. His mind couldn’t be changed. His plans couldn’t be thwarted because of the sons feelings or statements.

Do you know that is exactly how God feels about you? Regardless of your selfish choices or rebellious heart, He’s never changed His thoughts or plans for your future.

He’s declared your outcome from the moment you became His child, and He’ll never change His mind. He knows the plans He has for you, and regardless of the opposition, His Word stands true because He can not lie.

Be convinced as Paul was, that nothing can separate you from the love of God. God saw your decisions before you made them and still hold your future in the palm of His hand.

Sandy G

“Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.” Genesis 37:5

Sometimes, your dream is misunderstood. Perhaps you don’t even know all of it, but somehow, you know it’s a God-given dream. Maybe your dream has not come to pass, and it’s been years. You’ve lost hope, become disillusioned, and even turned your back on your dream or even on your God. You’re too old, too feeble, too fat, too poor, too busy, too whatever!

Wake up from your slumber, oh dreamer. The King gave you that dream for a specific time, and the time to prepare is now. Perhaps you’re no nearly as ready as you think you are. Dust off your dream. Scrub off the dirt of doubt and unbelief. Why should you be any different from any of the men of old. God needs you! He needs your hope and trust to be in HIM, not the dream.

A few years ago, a friend of mine gave an illustration of CPR that applied to what the Spirit is doing in us. First, He gives heart compressions, which causes the blood to flow. Then He checks the airways and removes obstructions (OMG-anything in the way must be removed!) Last but most importantly, He breathes into us.

Holy Spirit, breathe in me that I may live and declare Your works, singing praises to Your name, giving that same life and hope to others. Remove obstructions, things I’ve become familiar with, and allowed in my life that deter me from my destiny in You.

All or nothing, Lord! That’s what I want. I want all of You or take me home, I can not live 1/2 full, 3/4 full, I must be completely filled with You. If lose friends, family, jobs, and I have You, I will never lack for anything. If I’m to be Your bride, I can no longer live to please others, I must live to please You. I speak to dead dreams, LIVE! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sandy G

We have thought over Your goodness, God, In the midst of Your temple. Psalms 48:9 NASB2020

I was thinking about the goodness of our God this morning and woke up singing, “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here, come and fill our hearts and flood the atmosphere. Your glory God is what our heart longs for, to be overcome, by your presence Lord.”

We welcome you into our day, into our churches, and into our homes. Holy Spirit, invade our hearts. Stir us to love like you, to live like you, to give like you. Come inhabit our praises as we lift your name. May we reflect your goodness to those around us.

Teach us your ways, and lead us in your path. Cover our many faults and failures under the precious living blood of Jesus. Remind us that we are your righteousness, that you live in us.

I speak blessings of Your peace and presence over my dear friends. May they also think about Your goodness and walk in your victory.
Sandy G

Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

He is able. You may not be able to, nor your friends, nor your spouse, but HE is able. Not only able, but willing. Not only willing to do, but to do exceedingly abundantly, above what you could ask or think. I don’t know about you, but I can ask for a whole lot of things, but this word says He’s willing to do more than that. Wow!

But get that next part; according to the power that works in you. What power? The power of the Holy Ghost that He sent to you. Have you been filled with the Holy Ghost since you believed? (Acts 8:14-19) Study up my friend, that’s where the power lies.

That’s why praying in your prayer language (tongues) is so very important. It builds you up or empowers you (Jude 1:20). Hey, I’m not making this up! This stuff is not just real. It works!

So, if you feel powerless to resist, pray in tongues. If you lack discipline, pray in tongues. If you’re facing an intense battle, pray in tongues. Trust me, it’s the difference between victory and defeat.

Sandy G

Listen to this, you who walk all over the weak, you who treat poor people as less than nothing, Who say, “When’s my next paycheck coming so I can go out and live it up? How long till the weekend when I can go out and have a good time?” Who give little and take much, and never do an honest day’s work. You exploit the poor, using them— and then, when they’re used up, you discard them. Amos 8:4-6 Message Bible

I ran across this and was humbled by it. When was the last time you cared enough to stop and pray with them? Or even to stop and buy a burger or spend a little cash for a box of cereal? I don’t spend my money foolishly or lavishly. We live modestly on a pretty fixed income, but when an opportunity comes for me to give, I do it as though it were Jesus himself asking. Everything I have is His and my goal is always to honor Him with my money and my life.

A few years ago my son-in-law stopped at the grocery store to pick up something on his way home. Our middle granddaughter saw a homeless man in the parking lot and asked her dad if she could give him the $20 bill she had just received as a Christmas gift. I can’t tell you how much that blessed me.

Let’s not become so callused by the stories we hear that we don’t honor and respect people as children of God. They don’t have to be serving Him to be His child. The prodigal son was still his fathers son even when he was in the world sowing his wild oats and spending all his money. When he came to his senses, he came home to a welcoming embrace.

Be the Fathers arms of embrace and let them know how valuable they are. Do something that would put a smile on your heavenly Fathers face for one of His lost ones.

Sandy G

“I myself will teach your people and give them prosperity and peace. Justice and right will make you strong. You will be safe from oppression and terror. Whoever attacks you, does it without my consent; whoever fights against you will fall.

“I create the blacksmith, who builds a fire and forges weapons. I also create the soldier, who uses the weapons to kill. But no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory.” Isaiah 54:13-17 GNT

What a way to start out the week. There are several declarations the Lord gives in these verses: He will teach us. He will give us prosperity and peace. He will make us strong. We will be safe from oppression and terror. Those who attack us and fights against us will fall. No weapon will hurt us. We will have answers for those who accuse us. He will defend us and give us victory.

I claim those declarations and come into agreement with them today. For myself, my family and those reading this, may you be encouraged that it is the Lord who fights for you and gives you victory. David said that He is a strong tower, the righteous run to Him and are safe.

When you run into opposition today, may you repeat these words and remind yourself and your enemies what is written in these verses. What do you have to fear? When God is for you, who can be against you?

Sandy G