When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; We are joyful. Restore our fortunes, Lord, as the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting. One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:1-6 NASB2020

God always has a plan. Even if you’re not privileged to know the details, He watches over you until it’s done.

It’s time to learn a lesson from these verses. First of all, how many times does God have to deliver these people before they take notice that He will always deliver them? Start laughing and shouting for joy even before you see His deliverance.

Stand up and lift your hands in the air and laugh at your enemies. They have an expiration date and they’re all losers.

Trust God today just as you have every other day of your life. Has He ever failed you? If He brought you out before, will He not do it again? Stop questioning His methods. Those details aren’t for you to understand. Trust Him.

Be faithful with what you have and praise Him for His perfect plan.

Sandy G

He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They forced his feet into shackles, He was put in irons; Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord refined him. Psalm 105:17-19 NASB2020

Our pastor mentioned this verse as part of the message and it stayed with me. You know, when you’re going through your own process and you wondering if you’re going to ever see the promises God gave you, come to pass.

Heres the thing you need to know; what you’re in right now is called your refinement process. It’s however long God needs to line up all the necessary components and do the needful preparation to get you ready for His big plans.

You may think you’re ready, but only God sees the beginning and end. I’m pretty sure Joseph thought he was ready long before God gave the dreams to Pharaoh. But God’s timing was perfect and Joseph was able to step right into his role to deliver his people from famine.

So keep believing. Keep faithful. Remember that this season will soon be over and you’ll step into your promises.

Sandy G

You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life. Matthew 10:29-31 TPT

As I read these passages, it occurred to me that usually when I’m remembering incidents from my past, I tend to remember the big things. For instance, I remember going to Expo 67 in Montreal, but I couldn’t tell you anything about the exhibits. I was only 12, but I’ve never been into details.

I’m not saying details aren’t important, but there would have to be deep emotional experience for me to remember the details. I remember the day my mom told us that our daddy had gone to be with Jesus.

We all have those moments. Unforgettable. The rush of emotions all over again. Like it happened moments ago instead of years ago.

But you’re more than the memories. Your Father loves and cares for you so much that there’s not one thing He’s not aware of. Right down to the very last detail.

How wonderful to know He is always with you, watching over you and caring for you. He’ll never leave you in the big events or the smallest detail.

So don’t worry. He’s got this.

Sandy G

It’s funny how we allow our thoughts and feelings to talk us out of doing things. One moment, we’re full of faith, confident in the God within us, and one bad day can wipe that all out.

I was reading in Matthew 17, when the disciples tried to cast out a demonic spirit and nothing happened, so the father of the possessed boy brought him to Jesus. Hear what Jesus had to say; And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.”

Do you see that word, ‘unbelieving’? How could they not believe after all they’d seen, all they’d experienced? Seriously, Jesus had sent 120 followers out into the neighboring villages with instructions to do just that, and they still had unbelief?

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

If Jesus gave us the power and authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead, then who is it that says we can’t? Doubt and unbelief will paralyze faith, so I say that those two need to go. If Jesus said I can do it, I can. I have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of me, so who will I trust? His voice, who says I can or the voice of doubt that says I can’t?

Father, I have read in Your Word that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I’ve read that You’ve given me power over all the power of the enemy, and I believe You. You’re not a remote and distant Father. No, You gave me Your Spirit to live in me so that I’d never be alone. I believe!

I won’t entertain or listen to any voice that says I can’t, because You said I can. I am Your daughter, and I will be an obedient daughter today. I will love You with all my heart and allow that love to overflow onto everyone who comes close to me. I believe!

I believe that everything I feed will grow, so I feed my faith today. I say to sickness, disease, and poverty-GO! I speak to negative influences in my life-GO! You said nothing will be impossible to them that believe, so today I will see the impossible turn into possible. Thank you, Jesus! Amen

Sandy G

Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best.

He shall live within God’s circle of blessing, and his children shall inherit the earth.

Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone, he shares the secrets of his promises. Psalm 25:12-14 TLB

Have you ever just sat and thought about the greatness of God? Look up at a star-filled night, He made and named them all. Examine a flower and realize that He created that too. Examine a baby and understand the intricacy that went into that life and what keeps it breathing, growing, and learning. All God.

To fear the Lord is translated, in awe or deep reverence. That verse says that God will teach you to make the best choices. I believe that’s why it’s important to think daily about the Lord and worship Him for how great and mighty He is.

That next promise is that we will live in God’s circle of blessing, and our children will inherit the earth. I don’t know about you, but that is HUGE! That’s like being in the inner circle of God, privilege, and favor every day, and when we teach them to our children, they inherit the earth.

And finally, friendship with God, reserved for those who reverence or revere Him. He’s no longer an afterthought, an ‘oops’, forgot You today, God. Oh well, You’re busy anyway. No, it’s waking to His presence each day, hearing His voice whisper all day long. It’s with those alone, He shares the secrets of His promises or covenant.

These are promises that I take with me every day. Promise of direction, favor, and revelation. I want to know God in every fiber of my being. I want Him to be more real than my surroundings. Bigger than any enemy, problem, or fear. For when I exalt Him, everything else seems very small indeed.

Father, there is absolutely nothing bigger than You. I know that You will take care of every problem I face, for You are greater than my problem. There is nothing too hard for You, nothing You’re not aware of. My job is to enlarge You and magnify Your name. When I do that, You will give me the direction I need, Your favor on me and my family daily, and I will know Your secrets. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Sandy G

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

This is for you today, my friend. You’ve been in such an intense battle. Everything that could be shaken, has been. All you see around you is destruction and debris. But do you hear that noise in the distance? Bulldozers are coming to clear away all of that.

I heard them in my spirit. I asked the Lord, what’s happening? He answered, “I must clear away the old to make way for the new.

“Remember I told you I was going to do a new thing? Well to build something new, you must prepare the ground for it. People don’t appreciate that this is a part of the new that’s coming.

“People become comfortable with what was. I can’t allow complacency. Change must happen for the new to come. They must keep their eyes on me and trust me deeper than ever. For your eyes to behold what I have planned, you must be present with with daily. Only I know what’s ahead. Don’t be afraid. I’m with you always.”

I hope this encourages you today. God has already been involved in your shaking. You’re still standing. Don’t quit now.

Sandy G

“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 34:19

What a word for us this morning. God sees everything you’re going through, every lie spoken about you, every seemingly impossible situation. He hears the lies the enemy is whispering in your ear, ‘You’ll never get a job! You’re gonna lose your house! Your God will never come through for you! Is there really a God? You’ll never get married!’

We will face troubles, probably more than our share, but the Lord comes to our rescue each and every time.

In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I’ve told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you’ll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Wait for it, wait for it, He’s coming to the rescue, just in time. Let’s practice what we’ve been doing all week. Thank Him for His peace and for His provision. Worship Him out of your impossible situation. Remind yourself that the all powerful, almighty God lives inside of you and nothing will by any means hurt you.

Have a great week my friends and remember, get your eyes off your own problems and see what you can do for those around you. Do some ‘makes-no-sense’ kind of goodness to others than watch it come back to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Father, I remember the blood that was shed for me. It took all my sickness, sin and diseases from me and I thank You. Every need I will ever have, You’ve already provided. There is absolutely nothing You will withhold from those who love You and I do. It’s in the matchless name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Sandy G

“For this commandment which I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven, that you could say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and get it for us, and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you could say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us and get it for us and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?’ On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it. Choose life. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 NASB2020

One of my favorite passages: Not something I have to hunt or wish for. The living, breathing Word is near me, in my mouth and in my heart.

It’s what I feast on when I’m hungry. It truly satisfies the longing in my soul. It’s the table David talks about in Psalm 23, the one prepared for me in the very presence of my enemies.

My heart is so full of His promises that I think on them day and night. When the enemy bombards my mind with turmoil, I remember that the peace of God will guard my heart and mind, keeping me at rest as I think on Him.

It brings me life because I choose it. I focus on today because I can do nothing about yesterday and tomorrow will take care of itself.

Everything I need for life is in me. His living Word is in me. His Spirit activates the promises made. His Word never returns to Him without accomplishing what He sent it to do.

If He said it, it’s settled. Done deal. Take it to the bank and cash the check. Jesus’s blood sealed the deal. Don’t doubt it for a second.

Numbers 23:19 NASB2020
“God is not a man, that He would lie, nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

Remember your covenant!

Sandy G

And Abraham reached out with his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not reach out your hand against the boy, and do not do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in the place of his son. And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:10-14 NASB2020

If you’re faithful to God, He will be faithful to you. If you trust in Him, your enemies will never triumph over you. He will be everything you need. Your strong tower. Your deliverer. Your protection. Your provider. Your healer. Your peace. All that you need, He’s provided.

Remember my friend, God is your only source. Not your job. Not the government. Not your bank account. Do not trust in this worlds system. Jehovah Jirah is our provider. You can rest in that. You can trust in that.

Keep your eyes on Him. Don’t be distracted by the news or anything else vying for your attention. Satan is a fear monger. He knows your weaknesses and is constantly preying to steal, kill and destroy you. Don’t give him an inch.

Hold fast to your confession of faith and stay rooted and grounded, trusting in God. He’s the author and finisher of our faith.

Sandy G

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

Jesus showed us how to have faith that produces results. Why don’t we follow His instructions?

Perhaps you’ve tried and not seen the results you were hoping for. It’s okay. Keep believing. Just by stepping out in faith pleases God.

I think of all the greats who refused to quit trying. How many times did Ben Franklin fail before he succeeded? He never lost hope of success. Whenever failure loomed, he simply tried again.

Don’t stop believing for your miracle. I urge you to boldly believe, just as Jesus said. Keep believing you have what you’ve prayed for. If you keep your eyes on your prize, you’ll have it. Be totally convinced deep in your spirit that it’s yours and you’ll have it.

Boldly believe.

Sandy G