The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalms 91:14-16 NLT

Do you love the Lord? Than be assured that He will rescue you! Do you trust the Lord?Than be assured that He will protect you! Have you called on Him? Than be assured that He will answer you! Are you in trouble? Than be assured that He will be with you to rescue & treat you as His most prized possession. Long life is yours, not just enough!

He will show you his salvation. What does he save you from? Not just sin, but lack, sickness, disease, trouble, fear, your enemies, worry, distress, did I mention EVERYTHING? He is your rock, fortress, deliverer, shelter, mighty God who saves.

There is none like Him in all the earth, but lets not stop there. None like him in the heavens, the galaxies. No problem too big for our God.

So awesome in greatness and power yet He cares so much about you that He never misses your worship. He scoops it up and smiles. He would do anything for you. Oh wait, did I mention how much he loves you?

Think on this for the day! Especially when things go contrary to what you’re believing for. God is not deaf! He has a plan and he’s working in your situations right now. You just have to trust him.

When an evil man dies, all hope is lost, for his misplaced confidence goes in the coffin, buried along with him. Proverbs 11:7 TPT

Have you ever misplaced something? I got up and searched the entire house once, but couldn’t find the coffee! I finally remembered I had stopped at H Green Market and bought and ground it, leaving it in the back seat of the car. I stepped outside, opened the door and there it was, the scent of it lingered in the car for days. I carried it into the house and added it to the filter, flipping the switch, I listened while the water pumped up onto the grounds.

I stood there with cup in hand, impatiently waiting for enough coffee to run into the pot so that I could pause the process long enough to satisfy my taste buds, knowing that it would make the rest of the pot a little bit weaker. Oh well, totally worth it! If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll understand.

I was suddenly reminded this morning of how many times I’ve misplaced my confidence in God. Incidents and events that seem to knock me off my feet, causing me to lose sight of my very large God. I search for Him through a maze of problems, fears and failures only to discover that once again, I’ve made them all bigger in my mind than He.

I don’t think I’m alone in my thinking. Perhaps as you read this, you can relate to my insight. I don’t believe it’s merely evil men who misplace their confidence, but those of us whose focus has shifted from there to here, heaven to earth, from God to man. It’s as if a wedge has been driven to try and separate us from that deep and enduring Love.

The realization of what I’ve allowed to happen brings grief to my heart. I hang my head in shame and try not to look up, knowing I don’t deserve His mercy, but seeing it offered, neither can I turn away from it. Suddenly I feel His hand under my chin, raising my head so that I see His eyes shining, hear Him whisper, “You are mine! Nothing will ever separate Me from you!” That misplaced trust I felt moments before is shattered and I run into His embrace.

Creator of the universe, how silly of me to even think You’re not aware of what’s going on in my life. I magnify You, Your name is above all else.

Forgive me for misplacing Your position, for humanizing You, for after all is said and done, You’ve ordered my steps, surrounded me with loving kindness and tender mercies. Your grace is always enough to keep me running back to You for more.

“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (Jeremiah 32:17).

And so I end my eventful week. With all the tornados of life, You have rescued me yet again by reminding me how small my problems are compared to You.

Grateful In The Finding,

Sandy G

“They are going to throw you to the wolves and kill you, everyone hating you because you carry my name. And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throats, everyone hating each other.

“In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in-nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

“Staying with it-that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news-the Message of the kingdom-will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will one.” Matthew 24:9-14 Message

This seems to accurately describe our current affairs. Never have we seen such blatant hatred loosed on the earth. Satan himself must be rubbing his hands together in triumph. I don’t believe we’re at the end yet, but I certainly feel a bigger storm on the horizon.

As bad as it is, I believe it will grow worse. I’m not trying to be a ‘negative Nancy’, but I’m also enough of a realist to know bad weather when it’s coming. If you look around with your eyes wide open, I believe you’ll see it too. Instead of merely buying up extra supplies to fortify your natural storehouse, boost your spiritual storehouse by reading the Word, praying in the Holy Ghost and asking Father what He wants you to do next.

As you see the season changing around you, let’s continue to encourage each other in the faith, knowing that although the days are indeed evil, they will get much worse before Jesus comes back for His own. Regardless of the risk, let’s not forget that LOVE and LIGHT is in us. Let it blaze because it is the only hope this world has.

To The Remnant With Love,

Sandy G

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV.

What a mouthful of instruction right there. Don’t you worry bout a thing! Just look, He said to pray and ask God for EVERYTHING you need but the key is “always giving thanks for what you have.”

Just as we see whenever the children of Israel fought in a battle, they gave God praise first. Right now, in the middle of the mayhem, think about His goodness. Thats right. Think back to that day when He saved you and lavished His great love on you. Think back to THAT day, you know, the day you deserved to be fired but got forgiveness instead. Think back to THAT day when the doctor told you it wasn’t possible, but God in the great mercy He’s known for, showed you what He did to take care of that. Remember when your children went after the things of the world? Remember the day they came back to God? What rejoicing. Now look at them, serving God in all His glory!

And the last part of that verse says that BECAUSE we belong to Jesus, Gods peace stands guard over all our thoughts and feelings. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

Lets sum it up then; Don’t worry. Ask. Give thanks. Peace. Thank you for this, Lord. That I can cast it all on You because You care for me. There’s no sense in both of us carrying around all this stuff thats going on when you’re shoulders are big enough to carry it for me. You are a great and mighty God and I LOVE YOU!

Resting In His Peace,

Sandy G

Rolling whirlwinds exploded with sonic booms of thunder, rumbling as the skies shouted out your story with light and sound and wind. Everything on earth shook and trembled as you drew near. Psalm 77:18 TPT

Ever been in a tornado? Perhaps not physically, but perhaps mentally or spiritually? When you’re sucked up into a cyclone of words which lead to fear, doubt and unbelief? I don’t care how big of a Christian you are, everyone has been there.

Imagine being there for a long period of time, bombarded by not just words, but the thoughts that lead to your own words agreeing with those words, thoughts and feelings. It’s definitely not a pretty place to be in. Perhaps that’s why my hair always looks messy.

If you’re there right now and no amount of Word or prayer seems to help, you’re not alone! No, I really mean it, you’re not alone! Right in the middle of your mess, the Holy Spirit has you wrapped in His sweet arms comforting you and giving you peace. Close your eyes and whisper, “Jesus.” He’s not just in the tornado with you, He’s bringing order to the mess and bringing beauty to the chaos.

Focus on Jesus and watch to see what be makes of your madness. Isa 26:3-“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

He’s In The Wind,

Sandy G

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” Psalm 91:1-2 ERV

There are days when I just want to hide! Go away and not tell anyone where I’m going or what I’m doing, just hide. I’m sure we’ve all felt like that or perhaps you feel like that right now. Those feelings are valid and undeniable. They come at different times of our lives, when we’re frustrated, lonely or even when we’ve been in an unusually long battle.

But I’ve noticed that those feelings come the strongest when I’m not ‘hiding’ in who God is. When I try to do it all by myself and when I can’t, I feel like such a failure. Long ago, I had this feeling, like I was a full time mom, wife, employee, lay leader, rescuer, trying to be all things to all people all the time and it was exhausting! But then I discovered the best hiding place! It was with my Father, hidden in the knowledge of who He is and what He can and will do on my behalf.

What a great place! The coolest thing is, no matter where I am in the world, I can snuggle up to Him and sense His great big arms around me, carrying me when I’m just to weary to do it on my own. Protecter, Provider, Defender, Healer, Deliverer, Strength, Peace-giver, all wrapped up in that knowledge. I just don’t have to worry about anything because He’s promised to take care of me.

What a perfect Father! It’s like being hungry and finding money hidden in my pocket. It’s like being pulled out of the path of a train, or getting an extended arm when I’m close to drowning. I love having knowledge of who God is and what He’s capable of. Daily I will magnify His name and exalt Him with my life.

Verses 14-16 ends the Psalm like this: The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” I’m hiding and He knows where to find me.

How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. Psalm 119:14 MSG

There’s something special of a memory of conversation between mother and daughter, father and son. Words that stay with you the rest of your life, recalling them during moments when you’re at a crossroad, a pivotal moment where what you do may effect your life and others.

I remember my own mom, listening as I shared a vision I had, or a simple word I heard the Lord whisper in my spirit ears. She always listened and encouraged me on my own journey of learning to hear, to obey, to go or to stay. I learned a great deal from her, and still do! Her faith and trust in God was and is something I always want to mirror, passing along a legacy to my own daughters as they grow in their unique walk with the Lord.

Each time I sit with the Holy Spirit and listen to His counsel, I hide it deep within my heart so that it always guides me and stirs me, leading me into depths I’ve yet to explore. There’s no place I’d rather be, resting peacefully in a presence arms that hold me, hands that lead me and a heart that consumes me. No greater love than that.

So I leave you with this thought to take you through your weekend. Ponder His truth and live accordingly. With long life, be satisfied and know His salvation in every way. Let today be great!

Remembering,

Sandy G

What are you waiting for? I believe that’s what the Lord is saying to each of us. If you’re waiting on Him to do it all for you, think again. Everything was done when He died on the cross and rose from the grave. Victory over every trial, healing for every disease, provision for every need, it’s all been done. So what are you waiting for?

He’s not going to die again, it’s a done deal. He sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on your behalf. For what? So you will walk in the power He gave you. Sit at His feet and learn of Him for you are in dire need of direction and the only way you’ll get it is by spending time in His presence.

He’s not a magician, He’s God! Unchangeable, undeniable, awesome, mighty and powerful. He’s so good that He hid the treasure deep in His Word so that only those who seek him will find him. Deut 4:29

So what are you waiting for? Go after God with everything in you, sit and be still and hear the Word of the Lord.

Phillipians 4:7 says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Resting in testing,

Sandy G

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV

There must be something to this since it seems to be the focus for this week. Thankfulness; feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative. Have you been thankful today?

In Ephesians 5:20, Paul the apostle said that we are to give thanks always, for everything, to God in the name of Jesus. Have you thanked Him for all God has done for you? It would be impossible to list it all, there’s just too much!

Oh God! My God! How excellent is Your name and how marvelous is all of your grace toward me. I thank you for redeeming me from the curse, for the blood that covers every fault, every failure, every sin.

That blood healed, and keeps healing. That blood forgave, and keeps forgiving. That blood provided, and keeps providing. It’s never lost it’s ability to do anything it was purposed to do. It’s still alive and powerful today and for eternity.

Thank You for this day! Thank You for Your blessings on my life. You keep blessing and blessing until I’m overcome with gratefulness. I’m in awe of You, great and mighty God. Your Love simply blows me away. You see me through Your Love lenses and they change the way I see others and myself.

So much to be thankful for! Hope this gives you all something to start with in your day. Remember to pray, be watchful and thankful! It will shift your day from almost, to over the top.

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

There’s a 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. Trust–Stand–Believe!

But if you’ll faithfully do the above, you will surely succeed! Keep doing what God says regardless of what your natural eyes and ears are saying to you. Regardless of the length of time between the believing and the manifestation of the promise, Trust–Stand–Believe!

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!

My friends, God is aware of all the intricate details of your life. The storm that’s been pummeling you with rain for so long will soon end. This does not come as a surprise to God, and it should not shake your faith. Yes you’re human. Yes you’re allowed to be afraid. But don’t allow fear to knock the blocks of trusting, standing and believing, out from underneath your feet. Stand your ground, don’t let go, you’re going to make it!

Praying for You Today,

Sandy G