Lord, show me your kindness and mercy, for these men oppose and oppress me all day long. Not a day goes by without somebody harassing me. So many in their pride trample me under their feet. But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart. What harm could a man bring to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. The roaring praises of God fill my heart as I trust his promises. Psalms 56:1-4 TPT

I absolutely love how David talked to God. He wasn’t afraid to be real and tell Him how he felt about how his enemies treated him. But even in his honesty, He always ended with a truth that was deeply ingrained inside his heart.

He wasn’t afraid because he knew His God. He trusted Gods promises. There’s something about trust that can’t easily be shaken. The more you know someone, the more you can trust them.

Don’t allow your knowledge of God to be shaken by unexpected circumstances. God has plans you’ve no knowledge of. He knows your end from the beginning. So what He took a left when you expected a right. He has the map, not you.

Keep your eyes on Him, He never fails, always keeps His promises. When you’re overwhelmed with everything life seems to be throwing at you, get out your bible and read about the God who loves and cares for you. Change your perspective and continue to trust Him.

Sandy G

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” John 14:27 TPT

What’s the difference between the gift of peace from Jesus and fragile peace given by the world? Well, for those who’ve experienced Gods peace, there is no comparison. It’s extremely deep  and undisturbable. No matter what happens around you, what you carry inside of you keeps you.

The peace of this world easily shatters at the smallest storm. Someone threatens your security and poof, it’s gone like the wind.

Isaiah 26:3 TPT is one of my favorite verses because it shows how to hold on to that steadfast and stable peace: Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with You; they confidently trust in You.

So today, be consumed with thoughts of your wonderful Father. Let your imagination grow wild in how many ways you trust Him. Allow His peace to eat up your worries and cares, simply by casting them on Him. He’s better equipped to handle them anyway.

Keep your peace. Sandy G

He gives strength to the weary, and to the one who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:29-31 NASB2020

I’ve been in an intense battle I never thought I’d face. It’s crazy how a diagnosis can alter your normal and create such chaos in every part of your being.

I’ve been a spiritual warrior for years, interceding for countless people along the way. But one thing I’ve come to realize is, wounded warriors must take a break from battle to heal.

It’s more like the seeds you planted are raised up to heaven as a mighty voice on your behalf. You lay down your weapons and others pick them up. It’s such a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ works.

Jesus Himself makes intercession for us. He never leaves us alone. He’s constantly watching over His Word to make sure it’s fulfilled.

So if this speaks to you today and your battle has weakened your defenses, God is raising up others to carry you while you’re weak and weary. He’s renewing your strength.

Sandy G

Psalm 9:10 NASB2020
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You.

What happens when you really know someone? You trust them, right? I’ve known God most of my life. Well enough to know that even when circumstances seem to say otherwise, I can trust Him.

I’ve trusted Him with my life, my marriage, and my children. I’ve trusted Him with my dreams and my finances. Most of all, I trust Him with my future.

What’s not known to me is absolutely known to Him.  He knows all and sees all. He doesn’t have an obstructed view. I can only see what’s in front of me, but He sees it all.  Everything is known to my Father.

Me and you, we have choices. We can choose to wallow in our circumstances or place our hand in His and trust Him that what He promised, He will do. If He said it, He will do it. We can trust Him.

Let go of all disappointments. Shake off all mourning. Let His Word bring you back to the place He longs to be for you. Your refuge. Your fortress. Your deliverer. Your help in time of trouble. Your provider. Whatever you need Him to be, He is that for you.

Shift your focus from what is gone onto what you have. He is worth trusting.

Sandy G

Now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid! Psalms 4:8 TPT

I just love this verse. It’s assurance that in the season we’re in, we can live unafraid.

Social media has us watching things unfold in our nation and around the globe that has struck fear in the hearts of people everywhere. Fear is rampant. People are scared to go anywhere or do anything.

What makes this an amazing verse is that we’re reminded it’s because of the Lord that we can lie down and peacefully sleep. It’s knowing that our trust in Him has not been misplaced.

Here’s my decree today; No matter what happens, I will live unafraid. Psalm 91 also says that we will see it with our eyes, but it won’t come near us.

We have to trust God. As believers we must remember that God is greater than evil. Our hope isn’t in man, our hope must remain firmly rooted and grounded in Him.

So join with me in laying off the news and the terrors we’re constantly exposed to and pray. Pray for eyes to be opened and that people see truth. Continue to be light in a very dark world. Don’t allow opinions to sway you. Keep your eyes on God.

Sandy G

So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! Psalms 23:6 TPT

God knew the date of my birth and He knows the date of my death. I can’t change or manipulate anything. My entire life from beginning to end rests in Him because I’ve chosen to trust in Him.

What I choose to do with my life has always been my choice. God isn’t a dictator. He’s my loving Father. I trust my Father. I may not understand His paths or His plans, but I know He’s already ordered my steps and as I walk with my hand tightly gripped in His, I won’t be doing it alone.

So I will not fear. Goodness and love chase me down every day on this earth. And my reward? Spending eternity in His presence.

So you see my friend, nothing to fear. Stay focused on showing love, encouraging others and being who God created you to be. Enjoy your life and live it well.

Sandy G

Romans 1:16 TPT
I refuse to be ashamed of the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!

Why would I be ashamed of the greatest gift I’ve ever received in my life. He gave me forgiveness, power, and relationship with a God who created me.

The forgiveness was all encompassing. I didn’t have to provide a list and fear I’d forgotten a few. Jesus’ blood covered my past, present and future sins. There’s no time line with God. He knew my entire life from beginning to end before I was a thought and forgave me. I’m forever thankful.

The power He gave me I’ve only tapped into. Knowing that the most powerful tool I have is love, challenges me to step up and walk in it, reflecting the love of Jesus to ALL. Not just those who love me back, but the worst of the worst. Love changes everything.

My desire is that everyone may have relationship with God. A deeply personal one. To know Him intimately is to commune with Him at any time, in any situation, good times or bad, times of joy or sadness. His promise to never leave me has remained true since I began my journey.

I’m not ashamed. Are you?

Sandy G

John 16:33 NASB2020
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

I encourage you to read all of John 16 to keep it in context, but this particular verse I’ve highlighted, is to put in perspective what we’re seeing and experiencing in our world today.

The only place you’ll experience true peace is in relationship with Jesus. In the world we live in is a promise of persecution, trials and tribulations. But perspective brings us peace.

Our focus cannot be on what’s swirling on social media. Don’t get wrapped up in current events and the hysteria we’re surrounded in. Instead, let’s remember Jesus’ words and keep them on the forefront of our thoughts: “In Me you may have peace.”

Stay current in where God has placed you. Get out of your comfortable, safe place and become the light Jesus told you to be. Stop being afraid of drawing attention to Jesus, trust me, He can handle it. He’s the only way to finish the race well.

Today I  leave you with this: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NASB2020

Don’t fear losing your life, rather fear losing your soul. You’re an Overcomer.

Sandy G

2 Chronicles 20:5-9 NASB2020
Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord in front of the new courtyard;and he said, “Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. Did You not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land from Your people Israel, and give it to the descendants of Your friend Abraham forever? They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, or judgment, or plague, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house), and cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear and save us.’

I was reminded of this story, which we all need to hear, especially if we’re facing an enemy in an unknown territory and don’t know what to do.

First, we cry out to God, remembering who He is and His promises to us. That elevates God over situation we’re facing.

Then we wait to hear Gods response to our prayer, even if it takes a while, we wait for directions.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 NASB2020
And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight in this battle; take your position, stand and watch the salvation of the Lord in your behalf, Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

2 Chronicles 20:18 NASB2020
Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.

So the 3rd step is to worship God, thanking Him for His response and His promised outcomes. Do you know that Jehoshaphat was so convinced of the victory, he sent all the singers before the army? Read it for yourself.

The enemies ended up destroying each other and they were left to gather the spoils.

Whatever you’re facing, same God. Nothing is too hard for Him. Begin worshipping Him and thanking Him for His promises. We have a much better covenant and your thankfulness is the beginning of your breakthrough.

Sandy G

Yahweh, our Sovereign God, your glory streams from the heavens above, filling the earth with the majesty of your name! People everywhere see your splendor. You have built a stronghold by the songs of children. Strength rises up with the chorus of infants. This kind of praise has power to shut Satan’s mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose you. Psalms 8:1-2 TPT

Oh my. I need to read that again.

I thought only warfare silenced madness. Calling down fire from heaven, kicking Satans butt! Show him who’s boss. But no. Simple childlike worship seems to be the tool of choice.

A reminder of who God is and all He’s done. Getting out of my head and getting my mind on Him. Simple. Childlike. Worship.

Even if all I do is sing that little song I learned in Sunday school all those years ago. “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.”

Sing your song today. Remind yourself of who God is to you. He’s more than everything you’re facing. What a mighty God. Creator of the universe. There’s nothing too hard for Him.

Let the madness melt away and allow His peace and presence to consume you.

Sandy G