“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

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