In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 NASB2020

As I began to meditate on the above passages, I heard the Lord ask, “What was my Spirit waiting for? He was awaiting my instructions, just as He now waits for yours.”

Well, I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of it quite like that. I suddenly got a mental picture of Holy Spirit, who is in me, waiting for me to believe in my heart, and connect the truth of Gods Word with my mouth and make a decree  so He could bring it to pass.

What is the real issue here? Have I kept my mouth closed out of fear? Is there doubt and unbelief due to past experiences? Who have I allowed to poison my faith in a God who created all and never lies?

Jesus gave instructions for miracles: Believe and say to this mountain, be removed, and don’t doubt, you’ll have what you say. SAY. Key word there. Open your mouth and say.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Ephesians 3:20

Who is in us? Holy Spirit. He’s waiting for you to actually believe and not doubt. Not crying and pleading. Not out of desperation, but out of trust in the truth of Gods love. Knowing that  is the powerful connection that Jesus died to give us.

Get your belief right. Get your words right. Trust in God with all your strength and He will show you the right path to take.

Sandy G

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 NASB2020

I feel impressed to say this to everyone reading this: keep moving forward. You may be afraid.  You may be going through unfamiliar territory. You may feel unsafe. Keep going.

Remember Abraham was told by a God he didn’t know, to leave everything familiar at the age of 75, and go to a place that He would show him? He chose to obey. God never told him where he was to go. In fact God didn’t speak again until he got to the place.

I’m sure Abraham faced opposition. I’m pretty sure he was ridiculed for doing something so crazy. But look what he gained. Relationship with God that changed not just his life, but the future generations which includes you and me.

What if you don’t step outside your comfort zone and walk the unknown path God has placed in front of you? I believe it will effect your trust and faith in God. You’ll always wonder, what if…..

He keeps His promises, that’s all you need to know. He won’t leave you. He won’t forsake you. He will provide for you. He’ll stand before you and behind you. You’re protected. He gives you peace. All so you can be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Carry on.

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 NASB2020

Fear is a very real thing. I don’t care what it is. It could be a fear of bugs, a fear of balloons (don’t judge), a fear of failure, or even loss. It’s crippling when you’re afraid. It freezes you in terror, making you unable to function properly.

This verse is so assuring. It’s Gods command that there’s nothing to fear because He’s with us. That alone should dispell fear, but He then promises to help you and hold you up with His righteous right hand.

If you’re facing a situation where you’re afraid, remember this word today. Whether it’s the loss of a spouse, He’s with you.  If it’s the loss of a  child, He’s with you. If it’s the loss of your job, He’s with you. Whatever it is, He won’t leave you to face it alone.

Spend time today reminding yourself that God is bigger than your problems. He’s aware of what you’re facing, and He’s with you.

Dry your tears and wash your face. Soon, the thing you’re facing will be a distant memory, and you’ll see that what looked so bad was clearly a bump in the road on your journey.

Sandy G

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1 NKJV

I’ve been thinking a lot about this verse lately. Over the years, I’ve listened to several sermons preached on this simple statement. It’s the truth, I’m not denying it. He is my shepherd, and because He is, I’ve found that He loves taking care of me.

This past year has been a difficult time for me. I’ve had to endure some very great losses, but also some great gains. I would say it was more learning to navigate through territory I’ve never seen. Testing the path for roadblocks and pitfalls while retraining my ears to hear the one voice that matters most–The Shepherd.

I’d like to share an illustration of this verse that you may think is silly, but it’s such a great example of how God is always listening, even when we don’t voice our thoughts.

My girls and I just got back from a cruise that Walt and I had preplanned for a small amount of him to be buried at sea. I flew my son-in-law down to do some work for me while we were away.

He took down the old fence that the hurricane had damaged, cleaned out a bunch of scrub brush, and trimmed a dead tree, cutting everything up into manageable pieces so I could get rid of a little at a time.  Nonetheless, it was a very large project and a bit overwhelming, to say the least.

Before they flew home, we had cut up some small branches, bagged them, and loaded them into the trash container for pickup. I remember looking at the large pile and being a bit overwhelmed. I took a deep breath and thought, I can do this. It may take a while, but it’s ok.

Tuesday was trash day again, so I pulled the container to the back, loaded it up, and hauled it out to the road, taking a smaller container out from the shed and filling that as well.

A little later, I received a text while at work saying that someone ran into our smaller trash container and destroyed it. When I arrived home, we found a note in the mailbox from a neighbor admitting what he did and giving me his address and phone number to call him so he could make it right.

He came over last night and brought a better container and asked if he could see the brush in the backyard. When I showed him, he explained that he had a pickup and trailer and would be happy to take all of it for me. Not just the brush, but the old fencing. It will be done this weekend.

I shall not want. It has happened so many times this past year that I’m blown away. He’s forever listening to each concern I have. Nothing escapes Him. He knows what I need before I even ask.

I encourage you not to react negatively to things that happen to you, but to trust God has a plan. Be thankful that all things work together for your good. God loves you much more than you could ever love Him. You can trust Him with every aspect of your life.

Sandy G

Be quick to abstain from senseless traditions and legends, but instead be engaged in the training of truth that brings righteousness.  For athletic training only benefits you for a short season, but righteousness brings lasting benefit in everything; for righteousness contains the promise of life, for time and eternity. Faithful is the Word, and everyone should accept Him! 1 Timothy 4:7-9 TPT

When I look back over my life and realize how much time I wasted worrying about what my future held, I want to punch myself in the face. How many years I tried to get my weight off only to gain it back again.

It’s taken years to learn the importance of trusting God and His living, breathing Word. To come to the realization that what He said, He meant.

He knows the plans He has for me and has my life all mapped out. Every path, established. Every horrible thing I’ve been through had purpose. Instead of crying and complaining, I should have expressed gratitude.

I’ve never been alone. I’ve never not been loved. He’s carried me more often than I walked. He’s always met my needs. When I called, He answered. He’s encouraged me. He’s prompted me but never pressured me.

I’ve learned that rules aren’t as important as relationship with Him. All the things I learned along the way are just meaningless trivia compared to knowing I can trust Him.

I should never be surprised by what happens in the wilderness–because He’s there. As long as I know that, I’ll be OK. How about you? Focus on what’s important and let all the rest fall away.

Sandy G

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. Romans 12:2 TPT

If you wake up each morning wishing things would change but are unwilling to make the slightest deviation in your direction, I can guarantee you’ll end up in the same place again tomorrow. Wishing never changes a thing. But changing your mindset and actions do.

Paul spoke a truth into us in this verse. “Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think.”

If we continue to think like the world, nothing will change. If we allow the Holy Spirit to change our thinking, to show us how God sees things and begin thinking correctly, things will change.

It will empower you to discern God’s leading and trust in Him instead of yourself or the world. This world is not your home. Don’t get comfortable here. Set your mind on who God is. Nothing is impossible for Him. Stop allowing the world to diminish His abilities.

He is your healer. He is your provider. He’s your refuge. He is your protection. Stop trusting in this world and trust in Him. If you’re not able to, then you don’t really know God.

Stop trying to study the next cure, the next weight loss program, or the next get rich scheme. Start reading the Word and thinking as Jesus did. He’s your Father, too. Get to know Him.

Allow for a relationship with the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth and trust. Surrender your worldly programmed mind and ask Him to show you the truth. It’s the only way to live free.

Sandy G

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:10-11 NASB

“Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.”  Here He stands! The Commander! The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob fights for us! Pause in His presence Psalm 46:10-11 TPT

I love this in both versions, but especially descriptive in The Passion Translation.

I’ve decided to make a morning break fast of this word. Here’s how that looks:

Father, I surrender all my anxiety to you. You told me to cast all my cares on you because you care for me. Here it comes, every bill, every repair needed on the house, every bad lab result, all that stress of work, my family, my friends who are suffering, everything I was never meant to carry, I send it off to you.

Do you have it? Hope so cause I release it to you. I refuse the load, and thanks for carrying it for me.

Today, I will focus on who you are. You are God. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You can not lie. It’s not in your nature to lie, and you will always speak truth, and your words are alive and powerful.

You sent your Word and healed me, and delivered me from every disease. Your Word became flesh and lived among us, and His name is Jesus. Nothing can stand in His presence. Every form of sickness must bow. Every demonic presence must bow before that name.

Today, I will remember that He stands with me. The God of angel armies fights for me. My Commander stands against all enemies, seen and unseen. If God be for me, who in hell can stand against me? No one is greater than He is.

Sandy G

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

After Walt died, I purchased a beautiful canvas to hang above my coffee station. It says: I Trust The Next Chapter because I know the author.

It seemed appropriate because it went against everything I was feeling at the time. You see,  I’m a firm believer in calling things that don’t yet exist into existence. That’s how my Father did it in the very beginning. He opened His mouth and declared what He intended to see.

Every story has a beginning and an ending, but there’s a whole lot of pages in between. Each page of Gods Word shows His plans for mankind and His constant desire for a relationship with each of us.

Jeremiah 29:11 NASB2020
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Regardless of what you’re facing today, allow God to write your ending. See it through His eyes, His vision is much better than yours. Lift up your eyes to the heavens and call His name. Be thankful for the opportunities He gives you to be love and light in the darkness around you.

Sandy G

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31

My daughter made an interesting statement yesterday, and I thought I’d share. It was concerning the word ‘little’, and if you have mustard seed faith that moves mountains, why was Peters faith too small? I mean, really, he got out of the boat.

You see, sometimes little means small, but sometimes it speaks of endurance. It’s not how much faith Peter had, but it’s the length of time he held onto it. He got his eyes on the waves and had a freak out moment, which caused him to sink.

If you’re believing for a miracle and it doesn’t happen right away, hold fast to the promise. Remember that God doesn’t lie. He can’t break His promises. We were each given a measure of faith. It’s in us, but the only way it grows is to use it.

Peter chose to use his faith to get out of the boat. Go Peter! Many of us haven’t taken that step because we’re afraid. Do it afraid. Once you’ve left the boat, focus on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith.

Keep your eyes on Him. Don’t allow distractions, symptoms, or events to change what you know in your heart to be true. In the words of Jesus: “But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.” Matthew 24:13

Sandy G

Hatred keeps old quarrels alive, but love draws a veil over every insult and finds a way to make sin disappear. Proverbs 10:12 TPT

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. NASB2020

As I was walking this morning, my mind was going in a plethora of directions. I’ve sat back and watched as the United States chose who would govern America for the next 4 years. I’ve listened to friends run down President Trump, who chose to never acknowledge the corruption of the last term.

I expected it from liberals. But what was unexpected was the criticism and judgment that came from the mouths of Christians.

As my mind began to spin, I  asked the Lord if love truly was enough, and I suddenly saw Jesus on the cross crying out, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.”

He began speaking to my spirit that if Jesus could do that after all that was done to Him, demonstrating the love of the Father, it was enough.

It was the same great revelation of love that has taken every martyr into the presence of God. There is no place for criticism or judgment in the body of Christ, only love. As I mentioned last week, John 3:17 should remind us of that.

I inwardly began to weep for the ones I’ve judged in error. Maturity is gained only when you can learn from past mistakes and stop repeating them. I asked for mercy and thanked Him for His love that covers. His forgiveness only requires us to ask.

And His words again penetrated my spirit as He reminded me, “Freely you’ve received, now freely give.” It’s a gift. Give it with no strings attached.

Father, thanks for your forgiveness. I chose not to live in regret for past mistakes. I ask for you to help me to walk in love. To live in a way that others will only see you reflected from the covering of your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Sandy G