“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

Jesus was trying to convey a truth that we all must remember; we will do what He did if we believe and ask in His name. If that is the case, I believe that man has tried to overcomplicate a very simple thing. It’s not a 10 step program, it’s a 3 step process. 1. Follow in faith 2. Believe 3. Ask

Even His disciples didn’t understand the concept that God was in Him. In the previous verses, Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be all that we need.” All that time and they didn’t understand. Well guess what, some of us don’t understand either. When we believed in Jesus and asked forgiveness of our sins, that took faith. When we received the Holy Spirit as power source, that took faith. But if you don’t believe there is so much more, you’re not doing what Jesus intended for you to do.

We must believe that because God lives in us via His Spirit, we can do all things as well. Yes, we can raise the dead and heal the sick, which draws those who don’t believe into hearing the gospel. All to build the Kingdom of God and bring glory to Jesus.

He has a plan and we are a very large part of it. Ask anything in Jesus’ name and for His glory. Not selfish prayers. I’ve found that as I pray for others, my own needs are tended to. Jesus showed us how, we just need to read, learn and demonstrate.

Always remember how much God loves us, that it’s His nature to give us the Kingdom and the Kingdom of God is in us. What is His Kingdom? Righteousness (right standing with God), peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Everything we need has been provided by His Spirit who lives in us. When the light comes on, ask anything. I dare you!

Asking With You,

Sandy G

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. Ephesians 1:7-10 Message

We are not just barely free, but we are abundantly free. Abundance is a word that just keeps bringing more even when your basket is already full. It’s defined by dictionary.com as; an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: overflowing fullness: affluence or wealth.

If that is the case, why are so many Christians today living just free from sin, but not free from sickness and disease? How about pain? What about poverty, lack, heartache or depression? We find it ‘easy’ to receive forgiveness because that is the message we’ve been given, but there is oh so much more.

Faith is a tiny muscle each of us are given. In order to develop that faith, it must be used constantly and consistently. This tiny muscle (seed) has great potential, but if it lies dormant, it won’t support the work it needs to do. John 6:32 tells us that we will know the Truth and the Truth will set us free. Who is the Truth? In John 14:6, Jesus told us that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life–no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Who do you need to know to get what you need? Jesus! He’s the only way. It’s relationship with He who holds the keys. It’s not about believing in Him, it’s about knowing Him. Anyone can believe. Satan believes. But building that faith muscle is developed by sitting with the Personal Trainer–Jesus. His Holy Spirit will show you that if you trust in Him with all your heart and stop trying to figure it out yourself, He will lead you on a journey of complete surrender. Trust will build faith, it’s the oxygen to the muscle.

Breathe deep through the exercise. It will be exhilarating as He takes you on the most incredible journey of discovery. When you find out what you have access to through the blood of Jesus, you’ll be sorry you settled for just forgiveness of sin.

Living in Abundance,

Sandy G

So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes, my only Redeemer, my Protector-God. Psalm 19:14 TPT

When you are half-hearted and wavering it leaves you unstable. Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you’re in that condition? James 1:7-8 TPT

If what we speak today showed up tomorrow, what would we speak. Would the sum total of our words be selfish or others focused? Would our day be filled with peace or turmoil? Joy or sorrow?

Jesus Himself said that whatever we ask, we’ll receive. He told us that our words are like seeds that fall onto the ground. Some on good soil that take root and grow, some are choked out by our cares and concerns. I think that it’s important to keep our soil filled with good nutrients so that what is planted in it will grow and bring fruit. It will not only feed us, but others as well.

If what I speak doesn’t encourage and help others in their journey, I’m not speaking right words. Hey, I’m not perfect! I get caught up in things I shouldn’t and say things that I regret but hey, I’m human, right? But God wants us to focus on who we are in Him, not who we are in us. If we are sons and daughters, our character will change and our words will change as well.

So if words are so important, why don’t we watch our mouth? Psalm 141:3 in the Amplified version says; Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly]. Our words should be well thought out because they will be productive for good or evil. Our choice. Always our choice.

So today, I speak salvation to my community, that revival would break out in the schools and work places. I speak hunger & thirsting for righteousness. I call forth signs, wonders and miracles! That they would follow us believers in the grocery store, the workplace and the schools.

That healing would manifest, lame walk, deaf hear, mute speak, limbs grow, blind eyes open, the paralyzed rise and walk! Not in our churches, but in the fields as we work, the office during meetings, while I get my groceries. I call forth success in our neighborhood businesses. I call out, windows of Heaven-be open over us today! Uncontainable, chase me down and run me over kind of blessings.

Father, I will not doubt in my heart for I believe that whatsoever I say in faith will come to pass, in Jesus Name! and those who agree say, AMEN! Now speak it! Don’t just read it, speak it out daily! Watch your harvest happen in your tomorrow.

Happy Speaking,

Sandy G

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NASB

Another version says, “Be still” but the message is clear; STOP TRYING TO DO IT YOURSELF! God must be in a perpetual head shaking mode as He watches us from above. It’s as if I hear Him say, “There she goes again! I give her a nail and she’s hunting for something to hammer it in with. If she’d just wait, I’d bring someone to her that has a hammer.”

It’s almost laughable when you read it like that. Perhaps we don’t want to look foolish holding our nail, answering questions about our nail so we try to hide it, make it less conspicuous to those around us. By the time the hammer arrives and the purpose is revealed, we’ve already made some sort of jewelry out of it.

For some reason the story of Noah comes to mind. God asked him to build an ark and told him it would rain but we must remember, he had never seen rain or an ark. God merely gave him a task to complete that would save him, his family, and every living creature so they could reproduce and repopulate the earth. But it wasn’t just about reproduction, it was about getting rid of sin. His desire was to have a people who would know Him and worship Him.

Be still! He has a plan for that thing in your life that makes no sense to you right now. He has a plan for it! Be still! Just be faithful reading His Word, cuddling up in His presence and being still with Him. Watch and see what He does while you’re there being still. You’ll be changed!

Oh YES LORD! Change me and I will be forever changed. I am Your daughter and I will listen, I will obey. Great and Mighty Deliverer, You have ordered each of my steps and connected me to Your own body that I may be a part of You and Your plan. So as I wait, reveal Yourself to me.

At each place they went, they strengthened the lives of the believers and encouraged them to go deeper in their faith. And they taught them, “It is necessary for us to enter into the realm of God’s kingdom, because that’s the only way we will endure our many trials and persecutions.” Acts 14:22 The Passion Bible

Life gives us many twists and turns, unknowns and variables, but one thing we can be sure of…..Gods Word is always the same, never changes and cannot lie. This knowledge is key to the race you’re in. With God, it is impossible to lose.

Keep your eyes trained on Him, follow closely. You’re gonna make it. Don’t look away to the circumstances, not now. No matter what it looks like to you or to others, God is on your side and if God be for you, who can be against you.

Let Hebrews 12:1-2 be an encouragement to you this morning: As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!

That 2nd verse says to ‘look away from the natural realm’ and fix or fasten our gaze on Jesus. It’s so easy to get our eyes fixed on the wrong things, isn’t it. But anything that pulls us away is simply a distraction. When you’re running a race, you can’t stop along the way to take a nap. No, you’re focused on finishing! Encouragers will hand you a water as you pass, but you don’t stop to catch up on the news or find out who’s ahead. You simply run.

Everyday you face, do not think you’re alone. You’re never alone. When Jesus left us He said to receive the Holy Spirit He sent. This was a separate act from repentance and believing on Jesus for salvation. After being ‘born again’ He sent us the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead. The same Spirit who enabled Him to endure the cross and run His race.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace. Ken Bible

Keep your eyes on the finish line, Jesus is standing there waiting to wrap His arms of love around you as you finish well. Don’t let the things of earth to pull you from His presence. Maintain your peace. Walk in love so that others will be drawn to relationship with Him.

Making it!

Sandy G

It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

What a beautiful and precious promise, to know that He is always near, ever listening, always speaking. I think sometimes we don’t hear because we won’t be still long enough to listen, not just listen to the beginning instructions, but the complete plan.

We get a word from the Lord and before He’s finished, our minds have jumped ahead like a kangaroo. “I can do this.” And away we go! But what God needs us to do is quite simple, rest.

Rest in His arms. Rest in His promises. Rest in knowing that we don’t have to run out and do everything ourselves. He has this! He gives us the promise but it doesn’t mean we don’t go through a process to possess it. Yes there are things we need to do, but when we wait, we receive the assurance that regardless of what we see in the natural, God is still working in the supernatural.

Whatever I face today, He’s already made provision for it. Whatever problem, whatever wall I run into, whatever impossibility, whatever evil report, whatever I’m unsure of, HE KNOWS. I must rest in Him. Once I know, nothing can talk me out of it. NOTHING! Not what I see, hear, touch, taste or smell.

As I sensed the presence of the Lord surround me during my devotions, I stopped and closed my eyes. I felt my head resting on His lap as He stroked my hair and whispered, “I love you!” Sometimes we don’t need a big Word for our big problem. Sometimes a touch and a whisper is enough.

I love your presence, Lord. You are as close as the mention of Your name, Jesus. You are welcome in my day today. I need the peace and wisdom You bring with You as I rest in You.

Resting in You,

Sandy G

Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. Mark 11:22 Amplified

Sometimes it’s the smallest of scripture that tugs at my heart until I pay attention. Yesterday, I mentioned this verse to my mom on the phone. I was reading my actual paper bible and had it laying open while talking with her. I asked her why she thought that it was important to have constant faith in God. Her answer, “Because without faith, it’s impossible to please Him.”

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 Amplified

Is that you? Is that me? Do we walk with God daily? Do we commune with Him? Not because we’re in trouble or desperately need a bailout, but because we actually enjoy His presence. As Adam walked with God in the garden as His friend. As Abraham journeyed with God. As Moses saw His glory. As David danced. As Jesus died and rose again, making intercession. As Paul stood in sewage writing what God revealed to Him.

That constant faith is what keeps me trusting when things look chaotic and troubling. When there’s a storm brewing on the horizon and I’m unsure of what the outcome will be. That faith in the One who created it all and still holds it all in place. Who conquered death, hell and the grave, healed the sick and raised the death so we would know what that life looks like and can replicate it as He told us to.

Constant faith. Unwavering. Steady and secure. Firmly anchored in a sure and immovable foundation. Holding on for dear life until the next step is our last step from earth to heaven, our final dwelling place. And until that day when Jesus welcomes me home, I will look forward to what I can do for Him, today, tomorrow and everyday.

I will enjoy His presence, His peace and assurance, that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. In this place, I will discover the many facets of His power and goodness. I will stand still and see His salvation. In this place I will find Him, for I seek Him with all my heart. I just can’t stop loving Him. I just can’t stop writing about Him. He fills my heart with singing and I rejoice in my friendship with Him.

Yes Please!

Sandy G

Then the Philistines once again made a raid on the valley. Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines. So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. I Chronicles 14:13-16

There are applicable lessons in this verse if you’re listening: 1. When faced with great opposition the first thing I should do is ask God what my next move should be. 2. I should listen and follow instruction carefully. 3. Give God the credit because the victory I experience belongs to him. Until I learn these very important lessons, I will not walk in the victory God intended me to. I must rely on HIM, ALWAYS!

When I begin thinking I can do it alone, I will end up lonely. When I am dependent on Him, I remain hidden in Him, surrounded by His glory (power) and victory is assured. Whatever I face, I will face it with the Lord.

I am never alone, because according to Your Word, You are always with me. You said that if I seek You I will find You, if I seek You with all my heart. I’m seeking you. Your Words were, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you.” You desire to give good gifts to me and I desire to ask for and receive them. Every good and perfect gift comes from You so I give You thanks for direction, for wisdom and guidance. Today is going to be the best day ever because You will be glorified in all I do, all I say, all I type. Victory belongs to the King and I stand with Him.

Getting His Plan,

Sandy G

I was impressed to go back a few years in my journal to post a message I needed to be reminded of.

1-18-12 “It’s time to get the attention of those slumbering. Awake I say, Awake! Stop living in your comforts and ease, your spiritual laziness is keeping you from the readiness you need to be in. I’m releasing promise. I’m releasing vision. I’m releasing a multitude of giftings, but so few are paying attention.

“Awake, daughter of Zion. Awake from your slumber. Get your lamps trimmed and filled for the day has come, the marriage supper is being prepared. Do you sense the longing in you? Do you not sense it? Prepare yourself to receive what I’m pouring out on the earth, for in due season, you will reap if you faint not says the Lord.”

Perhaps you’ve heard the call, the tugging on your spirit to come away, be with Him, your beloved. There’s an old song I used to sing called, I Miss My Time With You. It goes like this:”I miss my time with you, those moments together. I need to be with you each day and it hurts me when you say, you’re too busy, busy trying to serve me, but how can you serve me when your spirit’s empty. There’s a longing in my soul, wanting more than just a part of you. It’s true, I miss my time with you.”

I used to make up every excuse in the book to avoid my mornings with God. Too much to do, not enough time, work, kids, too many demands. But the bottom line was, I didn’t know the value in spending time with God. I didn’t realize it would change me so, give me this much strength. I’ve always loved God, always had relationship with Him, but my friend, until you’re intimate with someone, you’re not one with them and unable to produce any offspring. And isn’t that what this life is all about? He wants you to give Him more sons and daughters.

Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” What will your response be? Excuse me while I run into His open arms of love and am swept away in His presence.

Father, I heard You call into my room, “Wake up! It’s time to get moving! I have plans for you today and you’re going to need My direction to do it.” So here I am, awake and ready. Give me Your instructions, and may I walk in the authority and power You gave me. May the lives that surround me be changed and awakened to Your call as well. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Kingdom come! Will be done on earth as in Heaven. Amen

I’m Coming,

Sandy G

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 Amplified

I love this definition of the word, abundance. Dictionary.com says it’s an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply.

God always does things abundantly. He never does things in small ways. You were never meant to be broke; God is your Provider. You were never meant to be sick; God is your Healer. You were never meant to be fearful; God is your Protector. You were never meant to be alone; God is with you. Your husband is His. Your children are His. Your life is His. He is God and there is no other. If He is for you, who can be against you? Won’t you just take a moment and thank Him? He’s been all this and more to you.

II Corinthians 9:8 AMP: And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

Here we are trying to do it all in ourselves and God has already provided every favor and earthly blessing, every miracle needed, every way of escape, everything we will ever need, and placed it inside of us. He simply wants our trust. Think about that. How drastically would your life change if you really believed that verse? You wouldn’t sweat it, you’d believe and trust Him for direction, than out of that trust, you’d submit and do it His way.

Father, so many times I just wanted to be in control and I’ve so messed things up! I repent of my self-sufficiency. What was I thinking? That I had enough wisdom in myself to make it happen? I realize now that everything in my life is designed to develop utmost trust in You. So today, I submit and surrender the lordship of my life to You, the author and finisher of my faith.

You have placed in me everything I need, it’s Your Holy Spirit. He counsels me, instructs and directs my steps. He keeps me healthy and strong, keeps me balanced, helps me to walk in love, to forgive and accept forgiveness. He either removes obstacles, shows me how to get around or over them. Every good and perfect gift is from You. You are the only wise one. You have provided a table filled with goodness, grace and mercy, just as my enemy thought he’d defeated me, my trust in You paid off and you whooped his loser self.

You are amazing beyond words, even beyond my ability to comprehend. Therefore I will hope in my God. I will not give up or quit. I know that You hear every word I speak, therefore I will remind You of Your promises to me and know that You deliver on them and keep Your Word. It’s in Jesus name and for Your glory, Amen.

Living in Abundance,

Sandy G