But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. 1 Peter 2:9 TPT

Although we’re chosen by God as kings and priests, we are all very unique in our calling. The only way to find out just how God intends to use us, we must first understand our identity. Our identity if found in Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Imagine if we all wanted to be a doctor. It’s a great thing to aspire to, but if your motive in becoming a doctor is merely to make money, think again! There are a whole lot of expenses involved in the process, not to mention study, discipline and self sacrifice. We’ve all been to doctors who have no passion for what they do, but we’ve also experienced many doctors who do.

In the same way, God gave us a heart for various things. Some of us would make great teachers, some prophets, others evangelists, etc., but not everyone would. Each and every gift is given by the Father, but it’s up to us to develop those gifts and use them as God desires us to.

Understanding people can be challenging at times. Some of us never get it right because we don’t understand the simple fact that people have different personalities and communicate differently. It doesn’t make them stupid or wrong, just different then you.

Even within the different gifts, our personalities, our backgrounds are all variables. It’s what makes each of us God’s own gifts within the body that He’s putting together as a bride for His dear son. Appreciate those differences—He does!

Seeking relationship with God works like that too. We each have our own unique relationship with Him. Yours won’t look like mine and mine won’t look like yours. As we seek Him, we find Him when we seek Him with all our heart. I may see Him differently than you, it doesn’t make me wrong it makes me different.

Until Next Time,

Sandy G

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8

There is so much we can learn from this first chapter of Joshua. Because sometimes the instructions we get seem a bit ill defined, don’t they? We know enough to take one step forward, but never enough to do it on our own. Why do you suppose that is? Well, it’s because God never wants us to outgrow our dependence on him.

The first nine verses, God gives Joshua these instructions. Cross the Jordan, I’ll give you every place your foot falls on. Then He gives him the boundaries, but what I want you to pay close attention to is the 3 times in those verses God tells him to be strong and courageous. In fact once, He says “Be strong and VERY courageous!” It wasn’t until they took the first step and crossed the Jordan that God gave them instructions on how to take Jericho.

One huge factor in this whole story is this: When God tells us to do something, He will ALWAYS back up His Word. It’s the same scenario with different people all the way through the bible. He gives them a new identity, gives them instruction and promises for a new future with Him.

Let me now say this, if Jesus told us to go make disciples (followers of Jesus), to be a light, be witnesses, healing, delivering, setting free those who are oppressed, will He not also back His Word? What are we waiting for? Others to do it first? A huge revival to come where well known pastors and evangelists do it? NO! He commanded you and me to do it.

First He made gave us a new identity, than He gave us instructions followed by the assurance that He would never leave us but be with us to the end. Just before He left the earth, these were His very last words, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

For far too long, we’ve expected the ‘church’ to do outreaches, things to draw people to Jesus. But that’s not following instructions at all. Perhaps it’s time for us to be what He said we are, the church! For the Kingdom of Heaven is in us. There are so many ways to be a light, ask God how He wants you on display and than go do it!

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

This is a part of what Jesus said to us, his disciples: “I can guarantee this truth: Those who believe in me will do the things that I am doing. They will do even greater things because I am going to the Father. I will do anything you ask the Father in my name so that the Father will be given glory because of the Son. If you ask me to do something, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 GW

There are some keys here that we need to see. 1. This is a guarantee. Defined; to make oneself answerable for (something) on behalf of someone else who is primarily responsible.

2. We will do the things Jesus was doing and even greater things. This includes; walking in unconditional love always; forgiving and letting things go; compassion that moves us to give of ourselves without complaint; no murmuring; forfeiting your own will and desires for the good of the Kingdom.

3. We can ask anything of the Father in Jesus Name that will give the Father glory. WHAT? We can’t just have anything we want? We can’t ask for a million dollars and have it drop magically in our account? What? It can have no selfish ambition attached to it at all.

Jesus went about doing good and healing all. How many of us live our lives like that? How many of us can really say that our minds are so toward God, that we never think of our own needs or wants because we know the Father will take care of us. Most, if not all of us would have to admit to this.

Father, forgive me. I’m so not like Jesus. My eyes are still glued to my bills. I still want for wrong reasons. My faith is still so small. The more I read about you, the smaller I feel. So this morning, I ask to know you more. To hunger and thirst for your presence. To overflow onto others the love and compassion that Jesus had for the lost you love.

May I not be critical of others and their motives. How do I know what their motives are! Open my eyes to try to find the good in ALL those around me, not just those who are nice to me. Only then will you be able to break through the walls they’ve formed from rejection and hurt. Only then will my own walls come down so that you can touch them through me. Jesus, give me your eyes. I’m broken, please fix me.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh is of no help. The words I speak to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 NLV

Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God breathe on you? That’s what it feels like when I begin to read His Word or merely worship Him, sitting in His presence and thinking of His goodness. It’s refreshing, revitalizing and energizing all at the same time.

I could be exhausted, both mentally and physically, but one moment in His presence restores my soul. I can simply turn on worship music and shift the environment in my home. It reminds me of that old song, “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.”

David penned these words that ring true today; So hide all your beloved ones in the sheltered, secret place before your face. Overshadow them by your glory-presence. Keep them from these accusations, the brutal insults of evil men. Tuck them safely away in the tabernacle where you dwell. Psalm 31:20 TPT

A vacation can’t provide that. Time at the beach can’t do that. Reading a good book can’t do what the Word of God can do. They bring life to all who hear them and health to all their flesh. There is no better way to heal than spending time with God, basking in the sunlight of His love.

Just typing these words causes a deep longing to sit with Him for awhile…

So Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 NKJV

This verse reminded me again, that God cannot direct your steps if you are not moving. Sometimes the voice of God is merely an impression, something that repeatedly comes to your mind. And as you take a step you get clear direction as to the next step. Rarely have I gotten a clear picture of the entire outcome until I took several steps in the direction God was leading me.

You see faith is built one step at a time. It’s not faith in your ability, but it’s faith in God’s ability.

In Psalm 37 the scripture says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he takes great delight in the plans He has for him. That in itself takes trust. You don’t know everything and if you did you could do it yourself. God wants you to trust in him!

If you knew ahead of time where you were going and what you were going to be doing you would formulate your own plan and get there your own way. That’s not how God works people! God wants you to rely on Him.

When God led Moses into the wilderness, he took one step after another until he ended at the Red Sea. Even though it looked like the end of it, God opened the Red Sea and made a way across. So what may look like you took the wrong way, just rest in the knowledge that God has a plan and a purpose for what you think might be a dead end.

My friend, if you are stuck in a place where you feel there’s no going forward or backward, this is the time to spend time with Him, seeking His face and enjoying His presence. Wait upon the Lord. Rest in His promises. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! James 5:16 TPT

Have you ever been challenged to intercede for others and not be focused on yourself? Sometimes it’s hard when you have so much going on in your own life that’s all you can think about.

James was clear in his instructions; we must start by confessing our offense and than pray for each other. Now I don’t intentionally offend people, but I know there are times people take what I say wrong without asking me to explain and they become offended. So that should be what we begin with, ask forgiveness.

But he goes onto say that then, we can pray for instant healing. Not a long drawn out process, but instant. That’s a blink of an eye thing. That looks like Jesus laying hands on the sick and they are instantly healed. Jesus wasn’t offended and neither should we be. If we want our prayers heard, we must let it go.

Just think about it, if we are ‘others’ focused, we certainly become far more effective for the Kingdom of God. James continued by saying; tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer. We carry inside of us power to change lives, because the Spirit of the living God lives in us.

My challenge to you is to stay off social media for a few hours a day. That when we watch the news, instead of getting caught up and fearful in what’s going on, to intercede over those nations, leaders and cities. How much more effective would we be if each believer would habitually do this.

Here is my added challenge; each time you see someone post on social media, instead of criticizing or giving your stinky opinion (either verbally to someone else or written in a post), pray for them! If you don’t know what to pray, ask God to show you what the issues are that need to be addressed and do it in the spirit realm.

II Corinthians 10:4-5 NET says; “For the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.”

If nothing else, pray this verse over everyone of your friends posts. We’re all in a war! Just because we don’t see the enemy, he’s there and he comes to steal, kill and destroy each of us, to try to defeat the body of Christ from being what we need to be in these last days. You don’t know whats going on in their lives, but God does.

We all need to take our rightful place, link arms and pray for each other. The bible says that in these last days, even the very elect would be deceived. Paul said to pray for one another so you would be healed. Why do you think that is? Because we were made be others focused, not ‘me’ focused.

I pray for you whether I know you myself or through a friend that referred you, God knows your struggle, your pain, what you’re going through. You can’t hide or hold secrets from Him because He searches the hearts and knows the hidden things. I speak life to you; not just fleshy life but God breathed life into you. May His Word encourage you and bring you health today.

As you pray for others, may you see supernatural turn-around in your health, your finances, your job and your relationships. May you become acutely tuned into what moves the heart of your Father, God. I speak blessings on your day. May the love of God consume you in your weakest moment. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN!

Sandy G

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT

Have you ever tried to carry too much? I have this thing about making two trips so I will pile my arms so full that it’s really silly. I know it would be healthier, but my mind says, I’m not coming back for one more thing, I can do this.

I’ve become so accustomed to doing things myself, that even if Walt is with me, I try to do it alone. Isn’t that silly? Why won’t I ask for help? I even tried to move a king sized mattress last night only to discover I couldn’t do it alone. I almost cried thinking, I must be getting old. No, I just needed help.

There are times when I struggle with something that seems so huge, I tend to wrap myself around it so there’s no room in my hands for anything else. I hear the Lord saying to me, ‘Let go of what’s in your hands and lift them to me. Don’t allow this thing to occupy the place only I have rights to. Give me access by praising me. Lift up my name! This is not the time to be weary but to rejoice. You weren’t meant to carry this load but I can’t pick it up until you lay it down.’

Ok God, I hear you loud and clear. I lay it in your capable hands and hear you say, ‘I’ve got this!’ Now for the easy part, loving on you. Now that my hands are empty I can hold your hand as you lead me to our secret place. Such peace I’ve found in you. I love you Lord.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

Looking straight into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!” Matthew 19:26 TPT

How do you know it’s God? I’ve asked this question and had it asked of me many, many times and this is what I’ve personally discovered. If it’s God, you can’t rationalize it, figure it out or make sense of it. It will be birthed through prayer and the Word and will come in a quiet moment with him.

It will seem totally impossible and nothing you can do in yourself. It won’t be anything you’re ‘gifted’ for. It’s usually so far outside your comfort zone that you need a bus to get there and the countryside is scary.

If you make the mistake of sharing it with anyone that is not ‘way out there’ in the faith zone, they will laugh and tell you you’re crazy, God doesn’t work like that! They will ridicule you and talk about you until you begin to question yourself.

Don’t try to figure it out or make it happen yourself, just keep believing and know that God’s just letting you in on a part of His ginorous plan. Call it an advance warning that your life’s about to be flipped upside down in a big way.

Think of yourself as Gideon; the least of all his family, totally unqualified but called to do something great that you won’t have to really do anything but walk in faith, believe and trust in a God that you can’t see. Listen closely to His suggestions and act on His commands.

Sounds easy, right? It’s all messed up! Over the span of time when you hear the call and the implementation of the plan, you will be on the most amazing journey of your life. You will get multiple prophetic words from various people you don’t know and who have no idea what God has told you.

You will go through things and wonder if you heard right. By the time you reach your destination, you’ll be sore from using muscles you didn’t know you had, with a faith in God that you’ve never had before in your life. You will no longer care about what people think, and what they say won’t faze you.

You’ll have a resolve to keep your eyes on Jesus for as Paul said in Philippians 1:6 CEV “God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.”

Everything you go through is just part of the process, bringing you out of faith in you to faith in God. Be of good cheer, my friend. You heard right! Don’t you worry about a thing. Just don’t give that another thought. Suffice it to know that you’re a part of His plan. Make yourself available for any and all He has for you along the way. It’s part of the process to grow you into the person He needs you to be to accomplish His purpose.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G

“My daughter, you’re thinking too small.”

“Father, I don’t understand what you’re saying.” I asked for a point of reference and He directed me to look around. I looked all around me and again I heard, “You’re thinking too small! I created you to do impossible things and you’re only thinking possible.”

Even in seeing the natural realm, all that God created is enough to blow my mind. That same God was telling me I was thinking too small. Wait, there’s more? I asked that He open the eyes of my understanding and help me to see what he was trying to show me.

Suddenly I knew it wasn’t just what I saw in the natural that He was referring to, it was what I saw in the Spirit realm. Things I don’t yet see will be.

Isaiah 55:8-11 CEV says: “The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.”

It’s my capacity to create that I wasn’t getting. I was made in the image and likeness of God and I need to think like God does and not allow the smallness of my natural view to stunt me from all God has for me.

Like Elisha, I need to see the fiery angel chariots on the hills of deliverance rather than the natural enemies that surround me. I need to see my debt canceled, my body whole, all my needs met with plenty more to put in store. I need to expand my thinking to be more like my Father’s, that nothing is impossible for me, because Christ is in me!

Father, I trade my eye sight for yours. I trade my vantage point for yours. You are indeed higher and mightier than anything that I face in the natural. Everything I need is in your Word and I will focus on what is in your realm and not mine.

I trade my words for your Words, for they are life and health to me. Others may not understand me, but I seek to please you by becoming more and more like you each day. You’ve called me to come up higher, to leave the world behind, so I come. Into your arms, I come. Into your Word, I come. Into your deep and everlasting love, I come. In your grace I will make my home. Make me more like you.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G