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

But the Lord says, “Now I will arise! I will defend the poor, those who were plundered, the oppressed, and the needy who groan for help. I will spring into action to rescue and protect them!” For every word Yahweh speaks is sure and reliable. His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful. It’s as pure as silver refined seven times in a crucible of clay. Psalms 12:5‭-‬6 TPT

There’s not a whole lot of people in the world who are reliable, but God, He never breaks His promises. He’s faithful. He’s a sure foundation. Someone I can depend on.

I used to think that God would give me everything I needed, but I discovered that I had no clue what I really needed. Only God knew that.

His Word has been tested. I know that when I obey His prompting, I’ll be rewarded with knowing He’s trustworthy.

Today, as you go about your day, think about the reliability of your Heavenly Father. Tuck yourself securely under His wings and rest in the knowledge of His faithfulness. Regardless of the outcome, allow Him to take control and trust Him.

Sandy G

There’s a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh, where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises.
Psalms 25:14 TPT

What does the word “devoted” mean? The dictionary states, very loving or loyal, giving all of one’s time or resources to.

That’s typically used to describe a marriage, or should be. It definitely described mine. Being devoted was an honor. And it was always reciprocated. Always.

So this morning, I was thinking about how loyal God is to me. I know there’s really no comparison, right? Yet it’s a reference point for me. Until it wasn’t. Can I trust God to never leave me? Walt did.

But God is a Spirit. Spirits don’t die. Walts spirit is still alive, it’s just been relocated. Someday, I’ll also be relocated as well. My spirit will be joined with God, never to be alone again. I look forward to that, but while I’m still here, I’ll focus on being loyal to Him.

Walt made a covenant with me and kept every promise while he was on this earth. He was a devoted lover. He showed me everyday how much he loved me. That’s an example of Gods love for me.

God’s made a covenant with me. My devotion to Him is being rewarded by His whispers in my ear togivedirection. His peace in my heart. His provision for my needs.

How can I not be loyal to Him? He’s always been and always will be my devoted lover.

Keeping my eyes riveted on You, God, is my goal. To recognize distraction and jump back in Your presence. To see the light in the very dark place where I live. Knowing that the unknown will become known to be when You’re ready to show me.

Keep me in that private place where you share Your plans with me. Regardless of my tiny understanding, I trust you. I will wait in Your presence as you reveal Yourself to me. I will be devoted to You. My heart is all Yours.

Sandy G

They all got into a boat and began to cross over to the other side of the lake. And Jesus, exhausted, fell asleep. Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. The disciples woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We’re going to die!” But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood and rebuked the storm, saying, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm. The disciples were astonished by this miracle and said to one another, “Who is this Man? Even the wind and waves obey his Word.” Matthew 8:23‭-‬27 TPT

I was challenged this morning with these verses. We’ve become so influenced by our senses. What we see and hear in the natural have become our reality. We’ve forgotten that He set the example and gave us all power.

What would happen if the believers would use the power given to displace storms? Heal the sick and raise the dead? At some point, we should be that, right?

Remember that song, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” You are that one spark. What are you waiting for? Your words are as powerful as Jesus’ words because He gave us all power and authority over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19)

It’s time we use what’s been given and show the world by example. You’re to follow Jesus, not man. Don’t wait for a group to do it. Show the world around you that the Jesus in you is still alive in you.

Sandy G