Found in 1 Samuel 1:9-11 of the Message Bible: So Hannah ate. Then she pulled herself together, slipped away quietly, and entered the sanctuary. The priest Eli was on duty at the entrance to God’s Temple in the customary seat. Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried—inconsolably. Then she made a vow:

It’s easy to make a vow to the Lord for something you so deeply long for, but when the time comes to make good on your promise, most of us push it out of our minds and go on our merry way.  We rejoice in the fulfillment of our hearts desire and are willing to give thanks, but then we turn away and think perhaps God will forget the vow we made so we can live our life in comfort and happiness.

It takes some tough stuff to keep a vow! I remember when I found out I was pregnant for my first child just how excited I was. I had always wanted to be a mom, but in my heart I knew they weren’t for me alone. I was birthing children with purpose, not mine, but Gods.

I’ve never been more aware of that in my entire life then I am right now. Each time they share a time God speaks to them or they’re aware of His presence in situations they face, I remember the moment I surrendered them back to God for His plans for them. I declared, “Not my will God, but Yours! Whatever You need them for, help me to train them up so that they will trust in You not me. So they will hope in You not me. So they will be completely Yours, not mine.”

I may not have left them in the temple, but I taught them they are the temple. That wherever they go, they would always have access to the Spirit of God in them because He would never leave them or forsake them. I taught them to guard their hearts, watch their words, bless and not curse. Are they perfect-YES! To God they will always be perfect because He formed them in His image and likeness.

Have we experienced intense warfare? YES! We had to fight for the treasure in them because trust me, if we see treasure, so does their enemy and he will fight to keep them from walking in the promises of God. Every promise spoken over our children will come to pass according to the plans God has for them. Why? Because God cannot lie. It’s not based on what I see with my natural eyes, but what I see with my spiritual eyes. That’s the only thing I pay attention to.

Keep your vow! Praying always with all prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to the Lord. Don’t stop when they leave home. Don’t stop when they do stupid stuff. Pay no mind to the plans of the enemy, because it’s merely a distraction to change your focus. Keep your eyes on the one who promises because He is ALWAYS faithful.

Remind Him of His promises. Agree with His Word over your children and your children’s children, not what you see in the natural. Be obedient to speak only what God says to speak, not out of your feelings or your natural circumstances. Hold fast to Him when the contrary winds come (and they will). Soon the wind will die down and the peace of God will surround you. You are where you belong and they are where they belong because He orders and directs their steps even when it’s not what you would choose for them. God always has a better plan!

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28 MSG

Discounts are great when you’re shelling out money at the grocery store or buying dinner for a group at your favorite eatery. But discounting the things you go through, not so much.

Every time I go through something, I look at it as if God is perfecting something in me. Ok, I MUST be pretty close to perfect by now. LOL It’s so important to examine yourself to see if there is anything in your life that needs to go. Friends, sometimes they’re just not good for you. They could be helping or hurting your journey. Examine. Perhaps the commonality in every situation you go through is you.

Psalm 139:23-24 GW “Examine me, O God, and know my mind. Test me, and know my thoughts. See whether I am on an evil path. Then lead me on the everlasting path.” Whatever you are dealing with, ask the Lord to show you what needs to go and what needs to stay. If your heart is crying out for more of God, then trust him to make corrections in your surroundings, but be willing to go where he sends you!

When we cried out for more, God brought us to Florida to school us under a prophetic voice. I don’t discount that. It wasn’t the easiest thing we ever did, but what a difference it’s made in our lives. When that person left, God sent another to take us to the place He needs us to be. Nothing that happens is for naught. Just because it doesn’t make sense to me doesn’t mean it’s not a part of Gods plan for me.

I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back! No turning back!

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

I use GPS to give me direction when I’m in an unfamiliar area. It’s probably one of the most well used application on my phone. There have been times when talking with someone who knows the area that I’ve discovered they know a short-cut or an easier route. Often I hear them say, “GPS will try to take you this way, but if you take this other way, you’ll get there faster.”

I know some wonderful people who are directionally challenged. No really! They don’t know their north from their south, their east from their west or their up from their down. But worst still is they don’t know how to use GPS or refuse to learn the very thing to give them the step by step instructions on how to get to where they’re headed.

My dear friends, some of us are this way with our lives. We’d rather call a friend for a quick fix or have them tell us what to do rather then sit and learn to hear Gods voice who will constantly be our source of direction. He already knows the plans He has for you, wouldn’t it make sense to go right to him?

Tune out the voice of social media. Pick up Gods Word, the Bible and ask Him your questions. The answers are in the book! You can actually use a bible application and put in a couple words and it will bring up all the verses linked to that search criteria. How easy is that?! I had to look in the concordance in the back of the bible to find verses.

Direction is appreciated more when you have to find it yourself. Oh trust me, God will direct your steps, but you must be moving for that to happen. Don’t let the fear of making a wrong turn keep you from going in the general direction. It’s the journey worth taking even filled with twists and turns. It enables you to see and experience things you never would have experienced sitting in the comfort of your easy chair.

It also allows you the joy of meeting new people and investing a part of yourself into their future. We’re connected for purpose so find yours and get moving. You’ll never be lost for God knows right where you are. Simply stop and ask Him what His purpose is for you being there and take a look around and act on His leading.

Father, here it is another week and I’m moving toward somewhere. I will listen to Your voice, even if it makes no sense to me, I’ll trust You in the process. It’s all for You and for Your Kingdom. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Naomi said, “Sit back and relax, my dear daughter, until we find out how things turn out; that man isn’t going to fool around. Mark my words, he’s going to get everything wrapped up today.” Ruth 3:18 Message

One of my favorite stories in the bible is the great story of Ruth and Naomi told in the book of Ruth. I’ve read it countless times in several translations but this morning, this verse caught my attention. It was almost like God was speaking directly to me about some things that have been going on in my life.

Have you ever experienced that? Where the Word of God becomes so personal, so intimate that you’re able to close your eyes and feel a sense of the living Spirit of God washing over you? That’s what just happened to me. I could almost hear the intensity building to a grand finale!

I get the feeling you can relate to what I’m saying. This is a word for some who have been through some tough stuff, waded through some deep junk, are exhausted in the waiting, stressed at not knowing. Hear what the Lord is saying today:

“Sit back and relax, my dear daughter (son)! I’m about to make your enemies take notice of you. I’m working all things out for your good. The plans the enemy had to destroy you will be turned back on him. Stand still and see the salvation of your God. I won’t rest until every obstacle standing before you is removed and you’re set back on the path I intended for you to walk on.

“Mark my words,” says the Lord, “Your enemy will not win or destroy the plans I have for you. When I said I would bless you, I meant what I said! When I said I would give you houses and lands, I wasn’t just making it up. I am the Lord your God and I mean what I say and say what I mean. I am He who calls those things into existence for you who do my good pleasure. You who hope in your God will do great exploits, for I the Lord declare it!”

This song has been looping in my spirit since we sang it last Sunday.  I leave you with it to soak in while you wait on His promises to manifest. Be blessed my friends!

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can hardly move!” he exclaimed, and took them off again. Then he picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his shepherd’s bag and, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, started across to Goliath. I Samuel 17:38-40

All of Davids experience with fighting was done in his own shepherds garb. Unencumbered by these strange and heavy things that King Saul tried to put on him, he was able to take down Goliath with a smooth stone and a slingshot. How often have we tried to do what was asked of us in someone else’s attire?

It was Davids obedience to his earthly father that positioned him to do something for his Heavenly Father. When Jesse called David out of the sheepfold to deliver food to his brothers and get news on the war, he went as he was. He didn’t make excuses, ask for confirmation from his friends, say he was overqualified for such a task. No, he just went and did what his father asked of him.

We can take a lesson from David about obedience and servant-heartedness. Although he was anointed king, he never thought of himself  higher then anyone else. Just as Jesus humbled himself and became a servant all the way to the cross, David had surrendered to the plan and purpose of his Father God.

Have you surrendered to Gods plan for you or do you still have your own agenda? A servant is always tuned into their masters voice. Each command is obeyed, each duty performed with excellence. There is no other option for those who truly love God and are called to His purpose. If you haven’t heard the call, you aren’t truly listening because He has commissioned us all to go and tell, to love and heal, to forgive and serve.

What great adventure do You have for me today, Father? I sit before You asking that You find pleasure in my service today. I put on my garment of praise, my smile and my song and I join the ranks of all your servants who are rooting out evil and doing good in the earth. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

I Samuel 17 tells the story of young David being sent to bring food to his brothers, a part of the Israeli army who were being taunted by the giant Goliath. When David arrived and heard the things being said, he was taken aback by this blatant defiance against Gods army. Lets pick up in verses 32-37:

“Don’t worry about a thing,” David told him. “I’ll take care of this Philistine!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “How can a kid like you fight with a man like him? You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy!”

But David persisted. “When I am taking care of my father’s sheep,” he said, “and a lion or a bear comes and grabs a lamb from the flock,  I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If it turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death.  I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this heathen Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!  The Lord who saved me from the claws and teeth of the lion and the bear will save me from this Philistine!”

Saul finally consented, “All right, go ahead,” he said, “and may the Lord be with you!”

As I was re-reading this story, I realized that in telling the story of the lion and bear, David wasn’t trying to brag on his exploits, he was simply reminding himself that the God who was with him in the pasture as a shepherd, was well able to do the same with this enemy of His people. It also caused me to see that this was a step forward in his journey to become king.

He’d already been anointed by Samuel in front of his father and brothers as the future king of Israel, but was sent back to tend the sheep in preparation of that position. God was training David to tend his own sheep (Israel) and protect them from their enemies. Although it wasn’t clear at the time, trust in God was being cultivated in Davids heart.

Just like David, God has anointed us for a future we’ve not seen but know we’re headed in that direction. Some of us may not know all that God accomplished through us until we get to the other side and we see it through His eyes, but none-the-less, trust is being developed and faith is being stirred to step out on the battlefield and face the enemy of the Lord. Will you go?

You’ll always be ‘just a kid’ to someone! But to a God who uses kids, He can do anything with you if you’re willing. Whatever His instructions are, go with it! It won’t make sense to anyone else but it will to God and that should be enough. Take what you have and trust that He will use it for His end plan.

“Attention everyone—all of you from out of town, all you from Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat—God’s word: Don’t be afraid; don’t pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God’s war, not yours. Tomorrow you’ll go after them; see, they’re already on their way up the slopes of Ziz; you’ll meet them at the end of the ravine near the wilderness of Jeruel. You won’t have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm, Judah and Jerusalem, and watch God’s saving work for you take shape. Don’t be afraid, don’t waver. March out boldly tomorrow—God is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 Message

Imagine what would have happened if the Spirit of God had not moved on someone to speak these instructions. Imagine if they had not listened. Imagine if they had not obeyed. Yet somehow I see myself in this scenario and perhaps you can relate.

Oftentimes we hyper-anylize what we’ve heard in hopes to make sense of the instructions we’ve been given. It’s a part of how some of us are wired. The years of stepping out in ‘faith’ to do what we’ve ‘heard’ only to find ourselves in situations we can’t explain. But isn’t that what faith is?

“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” Hebrews 11:1 TLB

What if God had this huge plan for you to be successful. What if your success was based on trusting in what you believe God is capable of instead of what you’re capable of.  When you enlarge your view of God and trust in Him, you realize that NOTHING is impossible for Him.

Make this the day that you shake off the fear that’s keeping you paralyzed in your current situation.  That first step may feel like a free fall down a very steep cliff, but you trust that Gods hand will catch you! He said He’d never leave you and He hasn’t. He loves you so much that He won’t leave you in your current situation. Stop over-analyzing and begin to step into His divine purpose for your prosperity.

Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” Romans 12:2 GW

I’ve always loved the saying, ‘Think outside the box!’ Walt says I don’t just think outside the box, I live there! Well, I guess I’d rather live in a realm where there are few then in a crowded mess. If I merely want what the world wants all I’d have to do is follow aimlessly and just fit in, but we are admonished to be different or separate from the world.

As children of the King, we have purpose that doesn’t fit with the purpose of the world. How do we do that? We can’t just hang around other Christians and be separate. God’s not talking about our dress or physical appearance. It’s not even keeping the big 10. No, it’s not the works we do but the words we say that make us different from the world.

It’s not the rules but how we love that makes us unique. It’s being a giver instead of a taker. Being a part of something bigger then myself by finding my part in the body of Christ and acting and speaking like His sister. It’s not my appearance or education, but what I am is someone who dares to be different and who’s purpose is to make a mark on others that can’t be erased (in a good way, I hope!).

I want to use my words to bless, not curse and encourage others to live a life of faith as well. I don’t see things like most folk, I try to gain heavens perspective and speak like my Father. You can’t follow me around and imitate me! That would not be good, one Sandy in the world is MORE then enough. You must read Gods Word and follow after him.

There’s no shortcut to being a Christian! You simply state, ‘Jesus, I acknowledge your sacrifice for my sin and make you Lord of my life. Be my teacher, I will be your willing student. Show me how to walk and talk like you.’ Then get out the text book (The Bible) and begin reading.

I recommend getting a translation you can easily understand and read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John until you get the picture of who Jesus is, what he did and what he asked us to do. The more you know him, the more like him you’ll become. Get ready for life outside the box! Lose your old way of thinking and speaking because in the Kingdom of God, we carry our sword (His Word) and know how to use it to change the world, one life at a time.

Take good counsel and accept corrections–that’s the way to live wisely and well.  We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.  Proverbs 19:20-21 Message

We think we know but do we really know? We ask for God’s plan and we get a glimpse and say, “I see!” But seeing what we see and seeing the end and the road to that end is something completely out of our view.

Two well known verses come to mind:

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

I’ve covered these in prior blogs, but let me add to it that only God knows the end from the beginning. Why? Because He doesn’t work within the boundaries of our time. God works outside of time so He know’s everything about everything. He saw the end of your life at the beginning of your life. His entire plan for you, done! Not because we don’t have a free will, but because he saw our choices before we made them and accommodated for them.

God has always desired for you to have intimate relationship with Him. He created you for that! But He won’t force himself or His plans on you, He simply beckons you to come. Your plan B can become your plan A if you choose to surrender to Him and trust Him just as a child trusts.

I know, you’re an adult, right? You don’t need anyone to take care of you, you can take care of yourself. That is until you need Him. Until you’re desperate for a miracle healing, a miracle provision, then you’re all in! He wants you for you and needs you to want Him for Him. Not to come to Him with your Christmas list and challenge, but with a broken spirit submitting to the Father Spirit.

I surrender to You! My heart belongs to You, not just in name, but in actions. I just want to know more about You. It’s in Your name and for Your glory, Amen.

Hope this song encourages you today!

Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward. Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents. Happy will be the couple who has many of them! A household full of children will not bring shame on your name but victory when you face your enemies, for your offspring will have influence and honor to prevail on your behalf! Psalm 127:3-5 TPT

We’ve heard true stories from our fathers about our rich heritage. We will continue to tell our children and not hide from the rising generation the great marvels of our God—
his miracles and power that have brought us all this far. Psalm 78:3-4 TPT

I promised I would demonstrate how I have personalized the Word over various situations I’ve faced over the years. Again, this is from a personal revelation I’ve received and implemented. It’s not used to manipulate God into doing what I want, it’s merely putting Him in remembrance of His Word and showing the enemy that I know my rights.

As David stated, it’s important to not hide the Word from our children, but to tell them about God, what He’s done in the past and able to do in the future. What they do with that teaching is between God and them, but the Word is very clear in stating that when we train them up in the way they should go, when they’re old they won’t depart from that truth. So that is my foundation when going before the Lord.

Lord, I thank you for our daughters who are gifts from You. Regardless of what they are doing presently, they are a gift and one day they will rise to protect and provide the care we need. Thank You that the Word has been planted in their hearts and will one day yield a fruitful harvest.

Father, I give the care of my children over to You because I trust You with them. I’m thankful that Your blood covers them, that they walk in forgiveness of sin and that you sent Your Word to deliver them and heal them of all diseases. No harm will come near their homes or their bodies. You give Your angels charge over them to keep them in all their ways.

Thank You for exposing the works of the enemy and his plans to harm them, for according to Jeremiah 33:6, You will bring health and healing; You will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. My children will walk in peace. Every situation they face will end up being used for good and not evil. You will use them in mighty ways to utter Your truth in the earth.

I thank You for giving my children and my grandchildren a hunger and thirst for righteousness knowing that You will fill them to the full till they overflow onto others. Because the light of Your Word lives in them, they in turn will be a light to the world that will not be hidden. That light will expose evil by shining Your stunning love into the hearts of those around them.

It’s in Jesus mighty and wonderful name I give You praise. Your Word will remain active, alive and working in their lives that You may be glorified in the earth. Amen.

Now, stop speaking doubt, fear and unbelief and only speak what the Word says. Regardless of what you see in the natural, His Word NEVER falls short or misses the mark. Trust me, my faith has been tested many times by what goes on in this natural realm, but I chose to believe what God says. He always makes good on His promises even when it doesn’t turn out the way you think it should. Be encouraged today! God still reigns!