Here’s a bit of trivia for your day; Did you know that a macadamia nut tree takes 15 years to bear but then produces a harvest 5 times in a season? Crazy isn’t it! I was wondering how many people have cut the tree down before they knew this?

The next day, as he left Bethany, Jesus was feeling hungry.  He noticed a leafy fig tree in the distance, so he walked over to see if there was any fruit on it, but there was none—only leaves (for it wasn’t yet the season for bearing figs).  Jesus spoke to the fig tree, saying, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” And the disciples overheard him. Mark 11:12-14 TPT

As I was meditating on this passage, I heard the Lord say, “I cursed the tree because it didn’t respond to the hunger in me.  The tree knew me for I created it. Because it failed to respond to my need, it would never bear fruit again for anyone. You too were created to bear fruit for me in response to my presence.”

That is a sobering thought right there. I love sitting with the Lord as He shows me things, but it always brings me to a place of reflection. Am I bearing fruit, Lord? How do I respond to Your presence? Are you satisfied with me? Does my love overflow onto others? Do others see You reflecting from me? Is my light evident?

There are many who have given up on a promise or perhaps a person simply because they haven’t seen anything happen. Please, please, please don’t give up! Respond to His presence regardless of what it looks like in the natural. Respond to His promises for He is forever faithful.

Hear the Word of the Lord. If you sow a seed and patiently wait for it to yield expecting the harvest, you will reap in abundance to the full till it overflows. Don’t burn the tree. Understand it’s season.

“Sandy, give attention to my words: tune your ear to my sayings. Don’t let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the center most protected part of your heart; For they are life to you as you find them, and health to all your spirit, soul and body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 Sandy’s Version

A few years ago I got ahold of a series by Creflo Dollar entitled, “Are You In The Game”.  It’s all about winning the battle of your mind, how to fight your thoughts with the Word and I have to say it’s never left me. I began to personalize the Word of God because when things get personal, it means something. When I find myself in a battle, I’m now equipped to fight that battle even when my enemy isn’t always visible.

Have you ever been in an invisible warfare? It’s when the enemy tries to talk you out of a promise given. He puts symptoms on your body to convince you that healing really wasn’t for you. That God just loves some more then others. 

God says to tell others about Him and change the world around you and Satan tries to convince you that you can’t communicate, no one really understands you, people are just being nice. You stumble over your words and what you say doesn’t translate into English right. You begin to wonder if you’re actually having a stroke or losing your ability to speak.

I decided to stop talking until I could figure out what was going on, but when I thought that thought, I instantly recognized it was the devil and in my spirit I heard, “He’s trying to steal your words!” (Mark 4:15) This became my response; “You will not have my words, devil! For they are hidden and protected in the center of my heart where you can’t get to them. I know the truth and the truth sets me free!”

My friends, Satans goal is to shut you up. If that’s not happening in your life perhaps you should examine what’s coming out of your mouth. If there’s no warfare, there’s no treasure to steal. I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to stand from a place of victory and contend for what Jesus purchased for me. I hold up my shield of faith and quench every fiery dart hurled at the Word in me. No weapon formed me will prosper!

I pray for each of you who have treasure in you to protect; guard your heart and mind. Don’t cry out for yourself, cry out for others. God did not make you to be self-centered but to focus on Him and others. I link myself together with you and pray for you knowing that my Father will take care of me.

“Let the faith of God be in you! Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done.  This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24

I was reminded this morning of when God saw the darkness and said, “Let there be light.” He didn’t keep saying how dark it was, no, He spoke what His intentions were and it happened. In the above verses, Jesus gave this example so that we would begin to see the possibilities of what we are able to create with our words.

Let me give you an example. Say you were hired to do a job that required a hammer but no hammer was given. Could you do your job? That would be ludicrous, right? In order to successfully complete the job you were hired for, you would need to have the tools to do the job and the knowledge of how to use those tools.

If you want your words to work, you must work the Word and you can’t work without knowledge. You can’t have faith in something you don’t know or understand. In order to work the Word, you must understand the One who wrote it and that everything He spoke had purpose and did what He commanded it do.

Remember when Satan had that conversation with Jesus in the wilderness while he was on his 40 day fast? It was to test His knowledge of the Word. He tried to trip Him up by twisting the words just a little bit but Jesus always corrected him with the words, “It is written…” He wasn’t just familiar with what His Father said, He knew it! He actually was the spoken Word of God.

The devil ain’t no dummy!  He tries to distort the Word and get you to buy it and take it home with you. But the Truth sets you free. Stop entertaining his distorted words and look in the book, find what it says in the Word and write it in your heart and mind.

Next time the devil comes to convince you healing isn’t for you, pull out Isaiah 54:5 and remind him that Jesus took the stripes on His body for my healing. Next time the devil comes to tell you that prosperity isn’t for you, answer him with 3 John 1:2 and Deuteronomy 29:9 which says I will prosper in all things and be in health, just as my soul prospers.

Stop changing what you believe based on your circumstances. Send Satan packing and tell him to take his lies with him.  Stop enforcing what you see in the natural realm and be an enforcer of the Word of God.

I’ve been hearing in my spirit this question being asked by so many, “Will God use me?” and I feel I need to respond emphatically, “YES!” What may surprise you is just how He’s going to use you.

Often we have a pre-conceived idea of what that will look like. Having a large ministry, writing a best selling book, working on some remote mission field, these are all wonderful callings, but what if none of the above is what God has in mind for you? Will you still offer Him your all? Will you still go? Will you still do?

I believe the highest calling in the world is the one Jesus gave us in John 15:17; “So this is my parting command: Love one another deeply!” If we don’t have this one down, we will never be able to do any of the others. Perhaps that’s what God is waiting on. Have you learned to love one another?

Everyone needs to be loved, not just a passing pat on the shoulder kind, but a deeply moved by your need kind. When we begin to see others through that filter, perhaps doors of opportunities would open for more. This kind of love is the same love the Father has for us. It is willing to die for us even though we don’t deserve it and didn’t earn it.

Let me ask you a very important question, have you learned to love? Do you love the abuser? The murderer? The husband who cheated? The narcissist? The gossip at work that hurt your feelings? Do you love the boss who passed you over for promotion? Impossible? Not if you’ve learned to love.

Before promotion comes true tests of character. The bible clearly states that God is Love and 1 John 4:8 says that the one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love. There is no way on Gods green earth that God can use anyone who doesn’t know His love because that’s what it’s all about.

There are so many people attempting to be used of God but haven’t learned this extremely important lesson. You cannot represent what you do not know. There are too many out there who think it’s all about them and haven’t allowed the love of God to transform them. I am still learning this. When I begin to see others through Gods eyes, I will have learned to love.

Father, reveal Yourself to me. Wrap me up in those big arms of grace that I may know You in all of Your fullness and glory. I want to love like You. The love that transformed me from a hopeless, helpless, lonely and desperate loser into a daughter who looks like her Father.  I can’t control others, but I can bowl them over with love so that they too are healed, transformed and delivered as You’ve done for me. It’s in Jesus’ name always, Amen.

I think sometimes we look at God and think He’s a Genie in a bottle that will give us what we wish for when we’re in a pinch. We use prayer as a wish list to make our lives a little bit sweeter. Instead of relationship with God, He’s simply becomes someone we claim to know and blame when things don’t go our way.

But the nature of God is love and the requirements to obtain that love is even simpler. If you’d like to know how, keep reading please.

God has done everything He will ever do for you. You heard me right! There are no new prayers to be prayed, He made provision for everything you will ever need. Yes, I said ever. When Jesus died and rose again the work was done. He forgave your past, present and future sins-you don’t have to keep asking!

When Jesus was beaten, by His stripes you were healed. That is past tense-meaning what’s done is done and doesn’t need to be re-done. Our job is simply to believe. You may be thinking, wait, that doesn’t sound right! It’s too easy! There must be a catch, something we have to do. But my friend, it really is that simple. The only thing you’re required to do is believe.

Acts 16:31 says it like this; “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” That word ‘saved’ is defined wholeness, nothing missing or broken. It’s not just saved from sin, it’s from disease, poverty and anything else that was under the curse. Jesus did it all and it’s for you and your household.

Stop waiting for God to do something else for you. Once you believe and receive what Jesus did for you, it’s a total game changer! You’re now a child of God and entitled to everything He purchased for you. That means direct access to God at any time, day or night. He provides you with peace, joy and love like you’ve never felt before in your entire life.

Oh, it doesn’t mean you won’t have adversity. Trust me, your adversary the devil, he’s after you because he doesn’t want you to have what you’re entitled to. But read Ephesians 6 and learn what your weapons are and how to use them. Study like your life depends on it because it does! Ask the Holy Spirit of God to give you revelation on His Word so that you can understand His plan for you.

I’m here for you whenever you need a sister to encourage you. There are brothers and sisters all over the world who want to help you grow-up in your walk with God. Just remember this; in the Kingdom of God-believing is seeing-not the other way anymore. Welcome to the family! I love you!!!

So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in your opposition to sin.  And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said,

Sometimes, when you’re going through an exceptionally hard trial, it’s good to remember what Jesus went through. The only ones who excepted him were those who needed what he provided, who were the first to turn on him and yell ‘crucify’ when given money by the religious leaders. Fickle people. And such were some of us!

When we don’t get what we want, we just give up, thinking that maybe God doesn’t love us as much as he does someone else. He calls us sons and daughters BECAUSE he loves us and as Paul said, he disciplines the ones he loves. So when things aren’t so perfect in your life, you need to yell out, “HE LOVES ME! I’M HIS OWN!” He’s only setting you on the right path so that you’ll be where he needs you when he returns to take you home.

Home sweet home. Lets keep in mind that where we are today is not our home, we’re merely leasing for a period of time. Someday, He will call out to us, “Lease is up! Time to move on!” Don’t be so comfortable with your surroundings that you lose sight of who’s you are and where you’re going. Lots wife looked back with longing and it turned into a salty statue. Lets keep our eyes longing for our prize; Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:1-5

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how good God’s been to you when you feel surrounded by nothing but loss, sorrow, gloom, doom and despair. David was surrounded by evil just as we are today, but it was a decision of his to constantly remind himself of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

So I began to write some of the same benefits this morning. There are those things we deem basic necessities like a home, car, furniture, food, electricity and running water. Not everyone has these things. I have lived without each one of these and I’m so grateful to have them.  How about a bank account? Or here are some promises of God that we forget at times, health, peace, joy, love of family, a great church, the simple freedom to worship at all. The list went on and on until I was overcome with awe at the abundant life I have.

To focus on the plenty instead of the lack changes everything. The battle wages around us but we remain stable in His arms. Perhaps that’s why I love to read the Psalms so much. David spoke of his enemies, but he always reminded himself to trust in a trustworthy and mighty God.

Where’s your focus today? You have a choice just as David did. You can focus on the lack of money or the money you have. You can look at it as a tiny seed that will produce much or you can look at it as not enough and blow it. You can focus on what you need or what you have. Be a whiner or a winner. Murmur and complain or be thankful and happy.

Lord, in my place of weakness and need, I ask again: Will you come and help me? I know I’m always in your thoughts. You are my true Savior and hero, so don’t delay to deliver me now, for you are my God. Psalm 40:17 TPT

So much in my heart this morning. Sometimes when we struggle with something that seems so huge, we tend to wrap ourselves around it so there’s no room in our hands for anything else. In my quiet place, I was reminded that I can’t hold on to His hand while mine are full. Hope this encourages someone today.

I hear the Lord saying to me, ‘Let go of whats 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, worshipping and 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.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

I received a text from a dear friend yesterday morning. She shared an experience she had on Sunday when she went to lunch with friends after church. As she checked the menu, she decided to order something different this time. When her meal arrived, she insisted it wasn’t what she ordered although her friends confirmed she has indeed ordered that.

Now this may not have bothered most people, but being in her early 80’s and having always been sharp minded, it really bothered her! No, it didn’t just bother her, it scared her.  Can you relate? Nobody wants to lose their mind at any age. There is truth to the statement, ‘a mind is a terrible thing to waste’!

Here is my conversation with her:

Me: I understand. Don’t get stuck on it though. Ask God to give you a sound mind and worship over that promise.  Don’t let fear take hold. It’s ok!

Friend: 😦 😦 😦  (3 sad face emojis)

Me: That’s right where satan wants you to be. But you need to let him know that God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.  Did you hear that? A sound mind! Now start worshipping God for that rather than focusing on one moment of forgetting.

Friend: Thank you

Me: You’re very welcome! Love you. See how easy it is to be persuaded that a lie is true? That’s why we are commanded to guard our hearts and minds. It is how we fight our battles! We speak the truth and we win over lies. It doesn’t matter how real those lies look in the natural, in the spirit realm we know the truth and the truth sets us free!

Friend: Happy face! I have never done anything like that, EVER!

Me: Well I sure have!  I do understand how troubling it can be. Please understand that what the devil does is tries to get you focused on what happened instead of focusing on what the Word says. That’s why Jesus said; Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid! You have to trust the truth more than you trust what you just experienced. This is just a distraction! Don’t keep repeating what happened, keep repeating what the Word says! Your mind keeps looping that episode over and over and over in your head. Isn’t that what you’ve been experiencing since Sunday? And see how much it’s bothered you? But now that you  know the truth, begin exchanging the Word for those thoughts. Each time the thoughts come, cast down those vain imaginations and exalt the name of Jesus!

Friend: Guess it means the devil attacked me where I was weak (vulnerable) and unaware I was fearful of because of my age…

Me: That’s the truth! He doesn’t go after areas you’re strong in. What’s the point? He’s always after the weak (vulnerable) areas.

Friend: I win! Jesus is my SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER, MY EVERYTHING!!!!

Me: You have the mind of Christ. A daughter of the great King. You think like God! When you speak His name, demons tremble. There is no one like you and no one can take your place. You are the Father’s favorite daughter. You always win!

Friend: NO MORE FEAR HERE!

So listen up my friends; for the truth to set you free, you must KNOW it. Know the Word! The weapons of our warfare are found in Ephesians 6:10-20, know them and use them! If you don’t understand it, read it in various translations and ask God to give you revelation on it.

Remember that the devil is always trying to distort the truth! I Peter 5:8 AMP says; Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.  So be on guard! Fear does not come from God, it comes from satan. Recognize it as a trick to distract you and steal the peace of God from your heart. Don’t be complacent! Be aggressive! You can’t ignore him and hope he goes away.

Your fears may be different, but they’re still real and satan is using it as a tool to win in your mind. DON’T FORGET THE PROMISES OF GOD! You must believe them! If satan can convince you to change your confession of faith by putting more symptoms on you, he will! If he has to send more bills so you feel hopeless, he will. It’s how he works. Know how he works! Hebrews 10:23 says, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

I’m constantly reminded that God cannot direct your steps if you are not moving. Sometimes the voice of God is merely an impression or something that repeatedly comes in your view. But as you take a step, your direction becomes clear. 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. Abram was told to leave his country and kin folk to a land God would show him. His direction was determined after he packed up and left.

When God led Moses into the wilderness, he took one step after another until he reached the Red Sea.  Even though it looked like the end, God opened the sea and made a way across and took care of the enemy that was pursuing them in the process. What looked like the end was actually just the beginning.

Psalm 37:23-24 TPT says it like this; The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the steps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow Him. If they stumble badly, they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with His hands. That in itself takes trust so even if you don’t know the details, He does! If you knew ahead of time where you were going and what you were going to be or do, you would formulate your own plan and get there your own way. But that’s not how God works! God wants you to totally rely on Him.

My friend, if you’re stuck in a place where you feel there’s no movement or clarity, take your bible and notebook into a quiet, distraction free zone and ask for God to speak to you. Trust me when I say this, He will speak to you because He loves it when you come to Him to have conversation. Not just you talking, but you listening. Wait upon the Lord. Rest in His promises. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

Jesus. Just mentioning Your name stirs up my spirit as I anticipate Your voice. There’s no place I’d rather be then here, alone with You, sensing Your love, hearing Your voice and feeling Your warm embrace. My heart is overwhelmed and I’m anxious for the knowing, but I will wait here until my anxious thoughts are stilled and my ears are tuned to the whisper of Your voice. Here I am Lord.