“I’m asking God to give you a gift from the wealth of his glory. I pray that he would give you inner strength and power through his Spirit. Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. This way, with all of God’s people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep his love is. You will know Christ’s love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 GW

Love-‘the ground into which you sink your roots on which you have your foundation’, I sure do like how that’s written.

Do you know that a house is only as good as its foundation? We’ve taught this in premarital and marriage classes for years. If the foundation isn’t good, you need to tear down your house and start over again. No amount of patching or repairing will fix what’s wrong with the structure if your foundation isn’t deep with the right mixture of steel and cement.

Well friends, our foundation is Love. I’m not talking about just any kind of love, but the kind you can build relationships on and families on.

I John 4:8 states that God is Love. Read it, in fact read the whole chapter. I have to say that some of us have cracked foundations. Not the right mixture of God in our base. We have a form of religious love that has left us cracked, shifted and crumbling. We cannot render safe shelter to the lost or broken because we haven’t learned to be like our Father who is Love.

Lets examine ourselves and ask God to show us how wide, long, high and deep His love is. Then let’s ask Him how He wants us to demonstrate that love. The cool thing about God is, He makes crooked things straight. Trust Him to move your house and fix your foundation. Its the only way!

Let’s Love,

Sandy G

Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 2 Corinthians 4:8 TPT

I stumbled across this scripture as I was doing a search for the word ‘despair’. I’m not so sure why it came up, due to the fact that nowhere in the verse does the word come up, but there it is.

I’m also not sure why this word has been skipping through my thoughts all week like a stone skips across the water. As I looked up the definition of the word, I found that it is the complete loss or absence of hope.

Well than, perhaps God is trying to show me something. It seems to be the look I see in so many people’s eyes of late, the inability to see an end to all this turmoil and strife. They seem to have lost all hope of anything changing or getting back to some semblance of normality.

Can I point out something that some of us have forgotten? We cannot put our hope in man, for if we do we shall be extremely disappointed. But we can put our hope in God, for although things may still happen that we don’t understand, and though we may experience every kind of pressure, we won’t be crushed. And although we may not know what we should do next, quitting is never an option.

Lord, the only thing I can do is wait and put my hope in you. I wait for your help, my God. Psalm 38:15

Don’t despair! Put your hope in God. Trust Him for the outcome. It’s not about how, what, where, why and when. It’s about knowing that what He said, He will do. Trusting in His covenant promises that He’ll never leave you or forsake you.

I know it’s been a very long, dry season. Seems like every time you try to light a fire, either the wood is wet or there’s too much wind. Whatever lies ahead, God has the roadmap and if you’ll listen, He’ll give you the directions you need to get to the next point. One step at a time. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, not the road behind you.

Keep Your Hope up,

Sandy G

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 I’m admonished to be different or separate from the world.

As a child of the King, I’m given a purpose that doesn’t fit with the purpose of the world. I can’t just hang around other Christians and be a Christian. That’s like stepping into the garage and expecting to be a car. Trust me, God’s not talking about my dress or physical appearance. It’s not even keeping the big 10. No, it’s not the works I do, but the work He did that calls me to be different.

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 daughter. It’s not about my gifts 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.

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.

Enjoy Your Weekend,

Sandy G

Then the angel said to me, “Write these words: Wonderfully blessed are those who are invited to feast at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” And then he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9 Passion Translations

There are few things that get people to pay attention, at least that’s the way it is in our house. One is the words, ‘Come and get it!’ always brought the kids running. The second one is the smell of something burning and the third, the sound of water overflowing. You know, like the coffee pot when someone doesn’t empty out the old or someone forgets to turn off the tub and it spills over. Yeah, we’ve all heard those sounds.

This is what the Lord spoke to me this morning, “My table is ready, come and get it!” I’m thinking, awesome, here I come! When you’ve waited long for a good meal, you’re hungry, hungry for the goodness of the Lord, hungry for his presence, hungry for his Word. You can’t think of anything else, your hunger is driving you to the table.

The Lord would say to you, “It’s time for overflow! You’ve finally got your eyes off your problems long enough to see that I am all you need. Let me satisfy your mouth with good things. There is an unending supply of my goodness and mercy. Let me lavish you with my love till it overflows. Let me feed you with my own hand as a lover offers himself to his bride. Let me be enough for you.”

Joel 2:26-27 “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God. And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.”

He’s Waiting,

Sandy G

There are times in life where circumstances seem to dictate the outcomes. But God wants you to know that what He did before, He will do it again.

Jesus was able to say to us, whoever will say to that mountain be removed and cast into the sea, and will not doubt in his heart, but will believe that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatsoever he says.

How was it Jesus was able to say that? Because he had already seen his Father do it time and time again. The Bible shows us that Jesus was there when the Earth was created. He saw what God was capable of doing.

Some of us need to get our eyes off of our own resources and get them on to God’s resources. If God is asking you to give something that is well beyond your own means, that means he wants you to trust him for it.

You see knowing God in your mind puts limits on him. But knowing God in your heart, that’s a whole nother story. That takes faith and trust to a different level.

For 7-days, Joshua and the children of Israel marched around Jericho. They didn’t see anything happen on the first day. They didn’t see anything happen on the 2nd 3rd or 4th day. But they continued to circle every day through the 7th Day simply because God told them to do it.

It was on the 7th day that those walls came crashing down. Not only did the children of Israel take the city, but God established a hedge of protection around them for future battles.

You see, when God asks you to do something unusual, He’s not just thinking about your now, He’s thinking about your future. Today’s seed comes your future Harvest.

My dear friend, if God is asking you to plant an astronomical seed today, please know that he has your future blessing in mind. Don’t hesitate to do what God is asking you to do even when you don’t understand where it’s going to come from, commit to do what he tells you to do and He will provide seed to the sower and bread to the eater.

He’ll do it again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again. Get it? Never doubt it! His storehouses are bigger than you can even imagine!

Keep The Faith,

Sandy G

The man who reads this Book and listens to it being read and obeys what it says will be happy. For all these things will happen soon. Revelation 1:3

There are always directions to everything in life. In our jobs, we’re given duties to perform prior to getting a paycheck. In purchasing a home, you’re expected to put down 20% before the bank will finance the rest.

God has directions as well, but we won’t know them if we don’t read His direction manual. We want all the good stuff, all the blessings, the promises fulfilled, but we seem to have issue with following directions.

Here are just a few directions to think on throughout the day:

1. Love one another. “I give you a new Law. You are to love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers.” John 13:34-35
2. Give. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Love, because God is love. Give, because that’s how His Kingdom works. Read His Word, because in it contains directions.

If things aren’t going right in your life, get in a habit of reading His Word everyday. It will change you into the man or woman God designed you to be. It doesn’t mean everything will be roses and sunshine on the outside, but on the inside, your perspective will change. You will see God’s direction in every twist and turn, every storm, every loss, every pain.

If you want to know God and get direction for your life, read the directions.

Then Elijah said to King Ahab, “Now go eat and drink. A heavy rain is coming.” So King Ahab went to eat. At the same time Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel. At the top of the mountain, Elijah bent down. He put his head between his knees. Then Elijah said to his servant, “Go up higher and look toward the sea.”
The servant went and looked. He came back and said, “I saw nothing.” Elijah told him to go look again. This happened seven times. The seventh time, the servant came back and said, “I saw a small cloud the size of a man’s fist that was coming in from the sea.”
Elijah told the servant, “Go tell King Ahab to get his chariot ready and go home now. If he does not leave now, the rain will stop him.” After a short time the sky was covered with dark clouds. The wind began to blow, and a heavy rain began to fall. Ahab got in his chariot and started back to Jezreel. I Kings 18:41-45 ERV

Where are our men and women of faith? Faith to believe that God is a God of His Word and will do what He’s said He will do. We have lost our ability to really see. We look only in the natural and have become lazy in developing our faith. We must not lose hope! Faith is knowing that what’s been promised will without a doubt manifest, not in our timing, but when God gets the most benefit from it. We see only our own needs, He sees the multitudes.

Let’s look at Elijah in the story above; He declared to the king that rain was coming. When we hear from God, we tend to hide it, not speaking of it for fear people will think we’re crazy, but declare it we must. That is the first key to truly realizing the promise.

Secondly, he got on his face before God and prayed. He didn’t send his servant once, then get up and say, “Well then, guess I missed it.” No, he sent him 7 times until his servant came back with a report of a very small cloud.

Lastly but certainly not least, he sent his servant to instruct the king that he needed to leave before the rain stopped him. He didn’t say, ‘Let’s wait till we see a few more clouds and then tell the king,’ no, he was that sure of the Word God had given him. He declared it in the beginning what would happen, prayed, then declared it again at the end.

Some of us are holding onto a promise, and still wondering. Well wonder no more. Scoop up your faith in God, if you’ve lost it, begin to read stories like this one and tell yourself that God doesn’t do for one and not for another. It’s the enemy that tries to steal, kill and destroy. Hold on tight to your confidence in Gods ability to do far more then your tiny mind can imagine. He’s a faithful Father. What He says, He will do!

Be Attentive to the Word,

Sandy G

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1

If you’re too busy to spend time with God, you’re too busy. Adjust your schedule, break stubborn habits, remove obstacles and hindrances. Find a quiet place void of distractions. Come with no agenda but to worship. No asking for anything, just an audience of one, singing your own song, making your praise about Him.

Ten minutes. Can you not spare ten minutes every morning? It’s such a small token of time when He’s given you the breath you breathe. If you find it hard to fill ten minutes, begin to make a list of things you’re thankful for and read them off to Him. Soon those ten minutes won’t be enough. You’ll find yourself setting your alarm earlier and earlier.

His presence is addicting. Your spirit will begin to crave time with His Spirit until you can’t stop thinking of Him. All throughout the day and when you wake at night, you’ll begin to hear Him calling you to that secret place where He can be with you and make you like Him. Then one day He’ll ask if you’re ready to be completely His, laying down your life long dreams, plans and hopes for a journey with Him.

It’s when you say yes, forever yes, that your life becomes one with Him and all that matters is what pleases Him. Loving others isn’t hard anymore. Giving becomes second nature. All that He is, becomes all that you are. By giving up, you gain so much more. By surrendering, you gain access to everything He has. What a great trade-off! Worship-it’s a game changer!

So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil, and he will run away from you. James 4:7

There are two things I see here; first, we are to give ourselves to God. Some translations say submit, both words denote complete surrender. No more me, me, me, but what can I do for You, Father. The second is something we must do; stand against the devil. He does not in anyway, shape or form, go away quietly and leave you alone. ‘Oh, sorry, I forgot you gave yourself to God!’ will never come out of his mouth.

He will try everything he can to try to get you back, but if you keep resisting, he will run away like the chicken he is. How do I know this? Because I’ve submitted my life to God and not a day goes by that satan doesn’t try to discourage me, lie to me, and try to cheat me out of what’s mine. The more I testify of what God’s done for me, the more I tick him off.

Remember when Jesus spoke the Word to Satan in the wilderness? It was to show us how to resist, giving us the right tools to resist with. He will definitely run away, but be prepared and keep resisting.

My friend, stay submitted to God, His plans are more important and rewarding than any of your own. Be ready to be messed with! Just because you submit to God doesn’t mean a life of ease, it means ‘game on’ devil. GAME ON!

Be Watchful,

Sandy G

I’m not sure if this is for one person specifically or many people around the globe, but I felt an urgency in my spirit this morning to remind you, however your situation looks right now, God will make a way.

There’s a story that comes to my mind of a group of people making a mass exodus from Egypt, who came upon an impassable body of water. They panicked when they realized the entire Egyptian army was pursuing them. They couldn’t move.

Fear does horrible things to us, doesn’t it? It holds us in a prison and keeps us from moving forward. We feel like there is no where to go and no one can fix it. Please know this, God will make a way! He’s good at knowing what lies ahead in the dark and how to dispel that darkness, allowing us to see the path. He is the light of the world, you know that, right?

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

So right where you are, throw your hands up in surrender, give it to God and announce, “I trust You, oh God! I know You will make a way!” Now hold onto your peace. Don’t let it go, don’t talk about your situation anymore. Don’t give it another thought. Trusting God will make a way, keeps you looking at the Way Maker, not the obstacle or impossible odds you’re facing.

Hebrews 10:35 tells us; Do not throw away your trust, for your reward will be great.

Father, I ask that Your Holy Spirit will bring comfort, wisdom and strength. Not to the situation, but to the person facing it. May they stand still and know that You are God and that nothing is impossible for them, because You are their God. I speak peace over them. That as they sit in Your presence, perhaps reading this message, Your incomprehensible peace will permeate them from head to foot. May they know You in every sense of the word in this moment. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Hang on, He’ll show the way!

Sandy G