“The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11 NLT

As I was interceding for our nation, the Lord dropped this verse in my spirit. I believe we are indeed in a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. People run to everything and everyone for an answer, but the last place they go is to the Word.

I believe that the load on our pastors would be lighter if people would look to the Word and spend time in the presence of the Lord rather then run to the church office to get an answer. We are such a microwave society. We want it NOW. Waiting on the Lord just takes too long.

When was the last time you stepped away from the noise of life, took your bible, notebook and pen and actually spent time with God? I can’t tell you loud enough, what it will do for you if you would just do this simple thing. I started with 15 minutes each morning, now I’m finding an hour isn’t enough. Sometimes I tell myself I should set my alarm a 1/2 hour earlier because that time with the Lord makes all the difference in my day, my week, my month, my year.

“Oh Sandy, I’m not a morning person. I just couldn’t do that!” Really? What if you were to do a 911 prayer to the Lord just to hear Him say, “This really isn’t a good time for me! Come back later when I’m not so busy!”

If we don’t prioritize our time with God and make Him first, not last, we should not be surprised when we have to wait to get our answer.

Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

Don’t miss your appointed time with the Lord. Seek Him now! Give him the first fruits of your day and watch the return on your investment come back with so much interest you’ll be blown away.

Sandy G

Early the next morning the people went out to the wild country near Tekoa. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat addressed them with these words: “People of Judah and Jerusalem! Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 GNT

Little combo going on here; Trust in God, Stand your ground, Believe what the prophet says. So often we forget the words spoken over us because all the other stuff gets too loud.

But if you’ll faithfully do the above, YOU WILL SUCCEED! Keep doing what God says regardless of what your natural eyes and ears are saying to you.

My mom used to sing this song; “Oh yes the answers on the way, this I know. Jesus said it, I believe it and it’s so. Our Heavenly Father knows our need before we pray. So we can rest assured the answers on the way.” She was right, is still right and will continue to be right. He will show up just in time just because He is God!

I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him. I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us praise his name together! Psalm 34:1-3

David used two words we are told not to use in an argument; always and never. This shows his deep resolve to focus on God and not his problems. Oh yes, David indeed had problems, more then most, but he was determined to praise Him regardless of what he saw with his eyes.

Praise was meant to magnify God above all else, but in the middle of the mess we face, we allow those things to be bigger. What we focus on grows.

How about trying a new way this time with me? Focusing on your problem hasn’t helped it go away, has it? Today, everytime you’re tempted to be discouraged because of what you’re going through, let’s just say, ‘Thank You Lord! Thank You for Jesus, who took all my sin, sickness, disease and lack so that I can walk in divine health and prosperity.’ Then create a list of what you have to be thankful for and run through that list each time you’re overwhelmed with your problem.

In fact, just give Him the problem! You weren’t meant to carry it anyway. Thank Him for the wisdom to deal with what you face and then trust Him to show you what to do, what to say, to be still or to go. He loves you so much! He’s just wanting you, as His child, to be at peace and know Him as Father.

Verse 22 of that same chapter tells us this; “The Lord will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared.”

Remember that today as you go your way and trust in the Lord.

Sandy G

Pay close attention, my child, to your father’s wise words and never forget your mother’s instructions.  For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions. Proverbs 1:8-9 TPT

I told my daughter the other day that I was going to write a book for her. It was going to tell her treatments for all minor illnesses and what not to do based on my discoveries. For example, sweet oil for earaches, never peppermint oil as an alternative. It does however make you forget about your earache.

Cinnamon oil in baby oil may keep the no-see-ums from biting your legs, but you should always apply on a small area first to make sure you’re not allergic to it. Hives vs bites are not a good thing. All I can say is some people just learn through hands on lessons.

There are some things I’ve never experienced and have no point of reference to. But the lessons I have learned are only passed on to those who will listen. I can’t speak into those who have no desire to know. Neither can you, so stop beating yourself up when your children refuse to hear you. That feeling of frustration you’re experiencing right now, that’s merely the feeling of lost control over something you were never meant to have.

That’s why Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your training time is when they’re young. If they come to you as an adult, you can tell them to read the entire book of Proverbs in various translations until they learn the path of wisdom for themselves.

I can pass things on to my children, but only if they wish to know. I can share stories of my own walk with God and the instructions I received, but it may not work for them. They must seek their own instructions and know that they will be different, God is particular that way. There are no shortcuts to relationship with Him. When you seek Him, you will find Him, but only when you desperately seek Him with your whole heart.

Sandy G

I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation! Psalm 91:16 TPT

Here’s a couple words I want you to see. First the word salvation; the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc.

The word satisfy; to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of (a person, the mind, etc.); give full contentment to: to put an end to (a desire, want, need, etc.) by sufficient or ample provision.

And last but not least, the word fullness: the quality or state of being filled completely or to utmost capacity: the state of having eaten enough, especially more than enough: the quality or state of being filled or rounded out, as in form or shape.

Put that all together now to show you just what God meant when He said that.

I will fulfill the desires, expectations and needs or demands and give full contentment by sufficient and ample provision and give you a fulfilling life with all I do for you. For you will enjoy the quality or state of being filled completely or to utmost capacity: the state of having eaten enough, especially more than enough: the quality or state of being filled or rounded out, as in form or shape, My salvation, the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc.

There’s a whole lot packed into that small verse, but that is what God wants you to know about it. It’s His covenant promise to you. The end of Psalm 91 says so much that we’ve missed simply because we don’t know the depth of the words used.

Combine that with unspeakable love, grace beyond measure and unshakable faith, and allow your face to turn toward the heavens, your hands raised in worship and let loose the praise that must now be on your lips.

Thank You Lord for such an amazing mouthful of promises. I will hold fast to the rope You’ve thrown me in the middle of my storm. You are well able to keep me, strengthen me and reveal to me the joy of my salvation.

Sandy G

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honor. Psalm 91:15 TPT

When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. Psalm 91:15 GNT

I’ve had this up on my laptop for a few days now. I keep looking at it and asking the Lord what He’s trying to show me because there are times He just wants to show you His version. I hope you get that!

What is His version? It’s personalized.

So the one thing that’s different in The Passion Translation verses the Good News Translation is just that; it’s personalized. I realize that the Word was written for everyone, but just as our relationship with God is personal, so is His Word to us. Let us remember that as we read through His Word and ask Him, what are you trying to say to me? What are you trying to show me?

My cry for help is a personal cry. I have my own set of issues, problems and they are just that–personal. No one knows the extent of what I carry in my heart but the Holy Spirit who is in me. That is why when I read His Word, He shines His light on it and speaks directly to me about things I’m going through.

How do I feel His presence while I’m going through trouble? By getting out my eraser and using it on my brain. I wipe away all my human reasoning, all my attempts to problem-solve, and I lay the dirty eraser before Him. I surrender it to Him. I don’t have the answers, but He does and He promises to show me things I don’t know.

Then I wait. Sometimes I walk away with the answer. Sometimes only a tiny instruction which usually goes against everything I’m feeling, but an instruction that takes faith to follow. And isn’t that what our walk with God should look like?

Go dip in the Jordan River! Build an ark using these specifications. Leave your family and go to a place I’ll show you. With 300 men, you’ll defeat your enemies.

God doesn’t give it all to you so it makes sense. He wants to know if you’re willing, even when you can’t see the ending. Are you? Willing that is? Make a move and see God put it all together. Just like a 1500 piece puzzle, find the corners and let Him fill in the blanks.

Sandy G

Anyone who wanders away and does not remain faithful to the teaching of Christ has no relationship with God. But those who remain in the teaching of Christ have a wonderful relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9 TPT

How does one have relationship with God? Well, my answer is actually a question; how do you have relationship with anyone? By spending time with them, getting to know them, writing to them if it’s a long distance relationship, making memories together, sharing life with them.

Each and every relationship is unique because we are. I am not like any of my friends, although there is usually some common thread woven through the tapestry, each and everyone of them are strong willed women. Everyone of them have a deep love for God and love talking about Him. We’ve learned to draw upon one another in times of strength and weakness, but most importantly, we love to laugh.

My relationship with God began around the age of 15. I had already been visited with tragedy, but needed someone to talk to and I wasn’t very good with words. I remember taking my bible, opening it randomly and reading aloud, as though talking to God. I began to ask Him questions and than listening and it wasn’t long that I began to hear answers. I knew it had to be God because I honestly didn’t know the answers.

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel my presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honor. Psalms 91:15 TPT

Do you know God that way? Do you sit alone with Him and talk with Him? Do you take to Him all of your heavy burdens and place them at His feet? He’s waiting. No one but He knows what you’ll face today but Him, and He will not leave you to face it alone. That’s my kind of friend!

I invite you to learn at His feet today. To do it first thing is life changing, to wait till afterward is a step behind. Begin your day wisely and He will direct your steps.

Sandy G

What do you talk about more than anything else? Have you ever listened, I mean really listened to what comes out of your mouth? I challenge you to take a day and measure your words.

Psalm 20:7 Amp says, “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.”

What does that mean? I believe it’s means to remember and talk about the goodness of the Lord. Do you know that when you’re talking about Gods goodness in your past and present, you spend less time talking and thinking about the problems you’re facing in the now?

I still remember Philippians 4:8-9 because it tells us what to think about. How easy is that, right? It’s like God is giving us a choice of what’s behind door number 1, 2 or 3 and saying, choose door number 1-it has the good stuff!

Who wouldn’t do choose door 1? I’ll tell you who…..it’s those who have a bible sitting on their table but don’t open it, even when their facing life size problems. They seek out others who have a quick answer, a feel good word, they’ve already spent time with God, it’s just easier.

My precious friend, that just ain’t right! You can’t know God through someone else and reap all the benefits of that friendship. II Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

What does that mean? Don’t take someone else’s word for the Word. Read it for yourself and ask God to lead you into deeper understanding and relationship with Him. It’s personal. Between you and God, applied to your personality, gifting and future.

Father, I want to know You for myself. Be my friend. Not through my pastor, my worship leader or someone who has a deep relationship with You. I want to know You for me, because each friend I have brings something unique into the relationship, I want to be unique to You.

Help me to remember to measure my words today and speak of Your goodness to everyone I meet. There is no one like You, Lord. Your goodness is from everlasting to everlasting.

Sandy G

For I’m releasing these words to you this day, yes, even to you, so that your living hope will be found in God alone, for he is the only one who is always true. Proverbs 22:19 TPT

What a beautiful word for today. As if God looked down and saw where you’re standing and released a word for you alone. He didn’t address your dead dreams, but your living hope, found in Him alone, for He is the only one who is always true.

Can you see that? Regardless of distractions. Regardless of discouragement. Stir up the hope in your heart, the hope that only God can give. Living, moving, breathing hope set to burn by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Bask in that. Allow His fire to burn away all the dross, the cobwebs that have filled the space where hope lies inside of you.

Stop looking at all the turmoil going on around you. Leave that to God because He alone knows the outcome. You ask what He would have you do and then leave the rest to Him. Move along to the next thing, the next person to show love to, to give hope to. He didn’t bring you this far just to have you give up hope now.

The world around you doesn’t know the hope we have. It’s up to us to show them what that looks like.

I just had a man say to me, “Sandy, I’m losing hope. So much senseless death and tragedy. I have faith, but I’m losing hope.” To which I replied, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, don’t lean on your own understanding of what’s going on, but rather acknowledge that He is still God, still the same yesterday, today and forever and stop watching all the storm going on around you. Your anchor of hope is in Him and He is enough.”

I release that same word to you today. Take it with you. Don’t let what you see become bigger than the God you serve.

Sandy G

The father approached the second son and said the same thing to him. The son replied, ‘Father, I will go and do as you said.’ But he never did—he didn’t go to the vineyard. Matthew 21:30 TPT

Have you ever asked someone to do something only to find that they never did it? Can I get a hardy AMEN from all the parents out there? You know they heard you, they acknowledged you, even repeated it back to you, still not done. Perhaps you gave them consequences (ie punishment) if it wasn’t done and still, not done. Nothing used to get my pot boiling like that scenario! Wonder where they learned it from? Because you know children usually model what they see in us.

There’s a verse in James 1:22 that got my attention; “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” We can plug our ears and do the ‘la la la’ thing all we want, but God knows we heard Him. Guess what? Since it’s a choice, we only deceive ourselves!

Something happens when I choose to obey. I believe it opens a door that can’t be closed. When I change from just reading and hearing to actually doing, watch out. I’ll be marked for life. I’ll be called ‘radical’, ‘weird’, ‘one of those kinds of Christians’, ‘unbalanced’, ‘over zealous’, ‘too heavenly minded to be earthly good’. Let me tell you something; I can still hold an intelligent conversation with the best of them, can still function (definitely better) in my job, enjoy dinner with friends and still do the will of my Father who sent me.

Yeah, that’s right! I still have my warped sense of humor, still roll my eyes at Walts weird jokes, still watch normal shows on TV. So what’s different about me? I’ve made an investment in the Word, not just to hear it, but to do it. I’ve made the same investment in prayer, not just to talk about it, but to do it. That’s right, I even intercede in tongues that I never learned.

I am a believer in every sense of the word and I’m unashamed of the power that Word had in changing me and my family. I don’t want to be like the world, I want to be different because the Word told me to be separate and I’m doing it. I’m getting myself ready for King Jesus who has promised to return for me. That’s right, I even believe Jesus is coming soon. I work the Word because the Word works!

Sandy G