And the ass said unto Balaam, “Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? Was I ever wont to do so unto thee?” And he said, “Nay.” Numbers 22:30 KJV

I typically don’t use the King James version in my posts, but it’s the only one that actually uses the word ass verses donkey. Ok, truth be told, I did it because I called someone an ass and my religious friend challenged me. When I told her it was in the Bible, I had to show her.

Seriously though, have you read the story? You should read Numbers 22 (choose another version) because it’s pretty fascinating how God used a donkey to get Balaams attention.

He was allowing pressure from powerful people to usurp Gods direction. That’s a big no no. God had already told him he couldn’t put a curse on the people He had blessed.

Why should we allow voices to curse us? I’m not talking cussing us out. I’m talking about word curses that go against what God has said. We have a covenant with God. That covenant brings protection, provision, healing, and support.

There’s so much that the pressures of life try to convince us aren’t true, but God is faithful to keep His promises if we believe. I challenge you to read the Word, know your covenant, and stand with God. Change your words to align with God’s word and stop allowing other ‘ass’s’ to direct you.

Sandy G

“God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it! John 3:17 TPT

One of the primary scriptures We learn in Sunday school is John 3:16 TPT, For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.

Everyone who has believed and received that gift is 100% guaranteed everlasting life. No if, ands or buts about it. Those words are in red, meaning Jesus himself spoke them.

In verse 17, He sets the record straight by telling us that the purpose wasn’t to judge and condemn the world but to be it’s Savior and rescue it. So why do I constantly hear Christians declare God’s wrath on the world? Shouldn’t we be in agreement with the Word?

We tend to twist His words to meet our standards, but there are no words that are higher than Gods Word. He loved the world enough to send His son so we could have an intimate relationship with Him.

No condemnation here. If they believe, I trust the Holy Spirit to lead them to the truth. If they’re hungry to know Him, He accepts them as they are. Change will come eventually because no one can live that close to the light and not see the clear path to Him.

But He loves them just as much as the rest of His own. Stop judging and condemning and practice loving. Love covers a whole lot of sin, and His grace is enough.

Don’t forget verse 17 today. Be the light He made you to be.

Sandy G

“Do not call to mind the former things or consider things of the past. “Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB2020

Reflection on last year brings tears to my eyes. Never in a million years could I have imagined that the gift God gave me would have been taken away so quickly. But a year ago today, Walt took his last breath here and stepped out of my arms into the arms of Jesus.

I still struggle with rediscovery. Finding peace in the quiet place again. Finding a new purpose. Getting out of my head and settling into Fathers arms. Talking with Father instead of Walt.

When I read these verses again this morning, I asked God what these words meant for me. Here’s what I heard:

“What’s ahead of you will cast the old into shadow. It will be brighter than your past and more exciting so that you’ll be too focused on your future to dwell in your past.

“New means just that. You can’t travel backward, so stop looking in the rear view mirror. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and trust your Navagator to direct your steps.

“When I open doors for you, be brave enough to walk through them, knowing I am holding your hand. I’ll never leave or forsake you. Never ever ever.

“Watch and see how I return to you 7 times what the enemy has tried to steal from you. For the thief has been found and must repay what’s been stolen. Every dollar has been accounted for, and every relationship tracked and the day of recompense is upon you.

“For I love you with an everlasting love. I’ve watched you encourage others through your own pain, and it has not gone unnoticed. Your calendar marks a new year, but mine is not bound by your dates or times. You will stand still and see my salvation like never before.

“Watch for the new as it explodes on the horizon. Things are going to look a whole lot better from here on out. Your perspective is changing, for I’m giving you mine.”

Be expecting!

Sandy G

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NASB2020

Prophesied by Isaiah years prior to the occasion, Jesus came to us. A gift from the Father to restore us to a relationship with Him.

True to His name, He is a wonderful counselor. I’ve been honored to sit at His feet for years. He’s the best listener and shows me ways I wouldn’t have seen. He doesn’t judge me when I’m angry because He’s been angry. 

He’s a Mighty God. That word mighty implies impressive strength or power. To have access to that strength has made me feel protected. Like nothing can touch or harm me.

Eternal Father. Ahhh, everyone needs their Father. I’ve lost two earthly fathers and felt a sense of abandonment, but having an eternal Father means He’ll never leave me alone. He’s with me always and forever.

And last but certainly not least in this description is my Prince of Peace. That peace that passes understanding, that guards my heart and mind. Through every storm, in every season, and every emotional reason, He brings me peace.

So whatever you’re looking for today, He is that for you. Fall at His feet and give Him the greatest gift–you. Give Him your love and gratitude but also your service. He’s always waiting for you.

Have a wonderful day celebrating Him.

Sandy G

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. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will let Myself be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’ Jeremiah 29:11-14 NASB2020

I heard the Lord speak these verses during service as our pastor was speaking of how God creates a book of remembrance out of the conversations we have with Him. Each time we latch onto a revelation and continue talking about it with others, it’s recorded.

I know you’re probably thinking, He wrote this a long time ago to His own people, but I’m His daughter. I was made in His image and likeness. His words are alive and powerful, and they’re mine.

I believe that relationship with God can be as deep or as shallow as we want it to be. He will reveal Himself to me if I seek after Him with my whole heart. He won’t hold out on me. He wants relationship with me.

Just because I don’t understand everything right now doesn’t mean it’s not a part of something bigger. I will hold on because I know He will never see the righteous forsaken or His seed (that’s me!) begging for bread. 

Everything is going to work out. It did for Abraham. It did for Job. It did for Joseph. It did for David.  It did for Esther. It did for Ruth. It did for Mary, and it did for Jesus.

Not one of their stories made sense to them in the beginning, but they loved God, and He was faithful to His Word, bringing them to His desired end. You’re part of His plan, too. Keep allowing Him to finish writing your story. Someone else will be encouraged reading it.

Be blessed,

Sandy G

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. Jeremiah 29:11 NASB2020

This morning, as I often meditate on the Word, this verse popped into my head, and I wanted to share my perspective.

I always used to think on the first part, cause who doesn’t want prosperity, right? But as the time-line of life zips by so quickly, I saw a different part this morning. A future where hope exists.

There’s nothing like losing hope. Where the future you dreamed of no longer exists and all that remains are memories. Happy memories lose their glow when hope is lost.

But guess what? Our plans are merely limited to our perspective. But when God has plans that go in a different direction, we tend to stomp our feet and throw a tantrum. We toss all our dreams away and give in to hopelessness. We can’t even imagine how life can go on.

But this morning, God began to explain that He doesn’t need my approval or permission, He only needs to keep His Word. He promises prosperity and not disaster. I  still have a future full of hope. He’s not finished with me yet.

So, my friend, stop limiting God to your circumstances. He’s bigger than that. He’s bigger than your bank account. He’s bigger than your income. He’s bigger than your dreams, schemes, and plans. He’s your hope and your future.

Carry on,

Sandy G

“I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!”
John 14:12-14 TPT

We all want the miracles, don’t we? Everyone knows people who are in desperate need of one. But the miracle I’m asking for is an outpouring of Gods love.

Love covers so much more than sickness and disease. It covers scars left from a lifetime of abuse, hatred, and pain. Broken hearts that need mending, even self-inflicted wounds due to wrong thinking.

I long to see inner healing take place all around me, and I know it can happen by walking in love. Not the human kind, but the God kind of love. Love that overlook faults and flaws. Love that looks past sin to the DNA of God that rests deep inside them. It only responds to love.

If we all allow God to pour out His love through us, we would fulfill the words of Jesus when He said that we would do greater miracles than He did. If His love alone accomplished what we saw Him do, how much more would be affected by all of us.

Let His love bring the miracles needed in those who cross our paths everyday.

Jesus, I ask for a greater understanding of how to walk in your love. Help me to see past my shallow human sight. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to obey. Thank you for allowing me to experience your deep love so I can be a river, not a dam.

Sandy G

The one who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete his work in you.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 TPT

Have you ever had a dream or a plan that didn’t turn out as you expected? Expectations and manifestations can end up bringing disappointments.

It’s not wrong to dream. It’s not wrong to plan. What’s wrong is not allowing for Gods plans in the equation. We all do this. It’s a human part of us. I call it unrealistic expectations.

Let me give you an example. Joseph had some really cool dreams, but his process was a really rough road. So God had some great plans to protect His people during an extremely hard famine, but the way He did it was not something Joseph expected at all.

Do you remember Miss Esther? I’m pretty sure her plans for her future were not to be kidnapped and primed to be a favorite with the King. But God set her up to save her people by exposing an evil agenda.

Well, guess what? God has plans for you, too. He may not share the details with you, but the outcome will fulfill something deep in you.

Psalm 37:23 goes along with that verse as well. The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

Make room for God when you make your plans. It will benefit you in the long run. The journey may be crazy. It may look foreign to you. You may not even speak the language. But if you trust Him, and you can, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Sandy G

Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!
Colossians 3:17 TPT

What a beautiful way to start the week. Just thinking about His beauty and all He’s done for me makes me want to worship and praise His name.

In my actions and deeds, through the words that I speak, may I glorify God. Regardless of my feelings. Regardless of what I face, may I reflect His love to others.

I will sing a thousand songs proclaiming my love for you, Jesus. I will tell of Your faithfulness. My future generations will know of Your goodness. My life will be a living testimony of Your salvation.

What You’ve done in the past will dim in comparison to what You have planned for my future. Your constant praise will be on my lips, and I will dwell in Your house forever.

Sandy G

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! John 14:27 TPT

Have you ever received a gift that brought you extreme joy? Whenever you thought about it, you smiled and felt the same feelings when you first received it? This verse brings that smile to my face this morning.

Jesus knew what was ahead of them and us. His warning was clear, “Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!”

We will face fear. We will be troubled. But step back and hold onto your peace. It’s the perfect calm in the storm. It’s the quiet to the troubled Seas.

His peace never runs out. It’s inexhaustible. The gift that keeps bringing joy. And the awesome thing is, my peace can bring others around me peace. If I remain in His presence, then His presence will overflow onto others.

Be a gift giver today. Keep yourself in a position to overflow.

May grace and perfect peace cascade over you as you live in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2 TPT

Sandy G