Something New

January 5, 2023January 4, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

“Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.”
Isaiah 43:19 GNTD

We are going into our 5th day of the new year 2023, and I pray you are filled with a heart and mind of expectancy. Take time to draw close to GOD through worship and in prayer and be reminded that it’s not about our own wants or desires or any new year resolutions. As followers of Christ, we must pray daily and seek out the Lord’s will for all decisions we will make.

In the Bible, in Isaiah 43:19, Isaiah was prophesying over what is to come in the future. The “new thing” he was referring to was Christs coming. Through Isaiah, GOD was giving the people of Isreal a hope and encouragement. Although they were not following GOD’s way and continued on in their evil ways no matter how many times GOD delivered them, GOD was starting to reveal to them that they would have a chance for salvation through the coming of the Messiah. GOD still loved them and wanted to give them another chance and help them to change.

Just as God was doing a new thing and making a way for the people of Israel, he desires to do the same for both you and I. When we fully surrender our lives to him in obedience, that is when he will be able to work in us and through us and do a new thing. He wants to make a way out of the dry dessert for us too. He wants to use us and transform us.

GOD is calling us to a new level of freedom in 2023. But he needs our willing hearts. Just as it was up to the people of Isreal to accept GOD’s offering, so must we too accept his invitation to move in a new direction.

Do you want what GOD is offering? Do you want a new direction in life. Do you want to step out of your old patterns and walk into the new thing he wants to do? We have a choice. Will you choose to leave behind the old? Will you choose to leave behind the repetitive unhealthy cycles in life that you’ve been battling in your own strength?

For he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!
Psalms 95:7 NLT

Pray with me:

Father God, We thank you that you are a loving God. No matter how many mistakes we make you are always there giving us another chance to surrender our hearts to you. Lord, forgive us today for our disobedience, and for the times we take our lives into our own hands and forget that you are our creator and that you know the beginning and the end. You go before us, and see all that we cannot and you protect us. Holy Spirit, convict our hearts today. Change us and remove any desires that are not from you. Father God, in this new year, may the desires of our heart be to grow closer to you and to surrender to the purpose that you created us for. We know that we are not fighting in the physical, but we fight against spiritual principalities, and demonic forces. This world is getting dark. I declare and decree that plans which the enemy has to destroy us and keep us bound in the darkness will be broken, in Jesus name. You have a choice. Tomorrow is not promised, so today in this new year I pray that you will choose breakthrough, choose change, and choose to follow Jesus and watch the amazing way he will transform your life. I am excited to see him do a new thing in mine. My prayer is that you will surrender and allow him to do the same in yours. In Jesus mighty name, I pray, Amen.

I can get through anything because;

God Formed me
God Created me
God Redeemed me
God Called me

Growing with you,

Sandy

Brighter Days are Coming

June 14, 2022June 15, 2022 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 2 Comments

Some of my friends and family members are in a storm right now or are walking through a valley wondering how to get out. They’re feeling down, hurt, angry and confused, and tomorrow’s outcome is uncertain. It hurts me to see them hurting, but if I’m honest, I can certainly relate because I too have days when I feel as though I am in a valley.

When we are in dark places dealing with conflict and struggle, we just want resolution and clarity so that we can see through the mess and feel secure or safe again.

When we are in these low places, that is when we must seek God the most. Our dark days are for a season, they will not last forever if we seek the Lord. Through God’s strength we can overcome. It may be hard to see it now, but brighter days are ahead when you allow God in and let him lead.

God uses our dark places to prepare and grow us. Although we feel like we are alone in the dark, we are not. God’s love will always find us in our darkest places and in our deepest pain.

In the Bible, God used Esther to help free his people. She was an orphan who felt abandoned and unworthy, but God still had purpose for her. She was appointed the queen of Persia. As queen she was faced with a tough decision that could cost the lives of both her and her people, the Jews. But she chose to risk her own life to tell her husband the king, about his Persian official Harmon’s evil plan to destroy all Jews, which included her his wife and Mordecai, her uncle who once saved his life. She revealed to her husband the king for the very first time that she and her uncle were both Jewish. She took this risk knowing that it was against the law to come before the king uninvited, accepting that it could result in her own death.

Through the book of Esther in the Bible, We learn that although God does not always seem present, he is always there with his people in their darkness and will never abandon them. It shows us God’s commitment to redeem his people. It also shows us that God appointed Esther in her position, “for such a time as this”, meaning God accomplished his purpose through Esther during that appointed time.

God also used Paul through darkness. He made Paul blind for three days and allowed him to sit unable to see, wondering whether he had lost his sight forever. Sitting in that dark place changed him and he found breakthrough.

Paul needed to loose his sight in order to stop viewing things in his old ways, otherwise, he would have never seen God in a new light. When he changed the way he viewed Christ, his sight was restored. Paul went from being a man who chased wealth and power into a man of faith. Had he not been put through darkness he would have never become a follower of Christ nor one of the 12 Apostles, spreading the gospel of Christ.

Acts 9:18 — Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

When we are sitting in darkness it does not mean that we will stay there. God is at work behind the scenes. He uses darkness to get our attention, transform us and re-direct us.

So if you’re in a place feeling down, lonely, depressed, overwhelmed or struggling and are wondering why life is going the way it is for you, have faith and trust that God has a plan and brighter days are coming!

This song has been replay in my car for the past two weeks. It has kept me encouraged and uplifted and I pray that it will do the same for you!

Father God, We thank you that you are a God of redemption and that you give second chances to us. Father, tonight there are many people that are hurting, and in need of solutions to the struggles and issues that life has brought them. Lord, you are our savior and our deliverer. I pray tonight that you would reveal yourself to all who are hurting and in a dark place. Father God, meet them right there in their darkness and show them love in the mist of their pain. Transform their hearts oh God, and set a fire in their soul so that they would thirst and hunger to know you and draw closer to you on a daily basis. Father, we know that we were all created with a plan and a purpose and that you turn around what the enemy has meant for evil. You turn all evil and all bad things around for the good of those who love you. Father God, show up for your people and hear their cries Lord Jesus. I pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to fall upon them and that they would repent and seek to live a life chasing after your love only. This world is a dark place Father, change hearts, Lord Jesus brake chains, and cause your people to surrender to the life they were meant to live. You are a God of love, I pray that all those hurting will see the light that you are shining into their darkness and reach out for your unfailing love. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen

Growing with you,

Sandy

Not all that is Broken can be Put Back Together

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 2 Comments

One afternoon I was cleaning up my living room with my daughter who was two at the time. Her toys were everywhere and as we were cleaning I came across a broken toy. I told her that the toy had to get thrown out because it was broken. Hearing that really upset her and she began to cry.

As I tried explaining to my toddler that this particular toy could not be fixed, she repeatedly said to me, “Nooo, it’s still good”. She was so upset and I said to her, “But Mama, it is broken, it will no longer work.” She looked up at me with her eyes full of tears and said, “Yes! It can be fixed, it’s still good.” She wanted to keep this broken toy and did not want to accept that Mommy couldn’t fix it for her.

I tried to explain to her, some things can be fixed and some just can’t. But her little heart was broken and she couldn’t understand what I was trying to explain to her. She was frustrated and kept insisting to me that we could fix it and continuously asked me over and over to please try to fix it.

Once she calmed down I redirected her to all her other toys and played with her to remind her of all her other blessings. That time together restored her joy & she was reminded of all her other fun toys.

Sometimes we are so caught up on the one thing we no longer have, that we loose sight of all the other good things we do have and all the good that is to come.

Isn’t that the case in life? We hold onto things not realizing that they are actually broken and they can never be fixed. We treasure things that are of value to us, so even when they are falling apart we hold tightly onto them, and continue trying over and over to repair them. But sometimes, no matter how much or how hard you try, they remain broken.

After I got my daughter to sleep later that night, I laid next to her and began to imagine how God, our father, felt when we cry and plead to him asking him to fix our broken relationships, restore our broken families, or fix situations that cannot be fixed. Surely it must hurt him to hear his children crying out for something they don’t know isn’t his best for them.

God is all powerful and is a miracle worker, but imagine how hurt he must feel knowing that we want him to fix something that he simply cannot give back to us? As our Father, he does not want to see us in pain, just as we don’t want to see our babies hurting. But, he knows we must accept that he alone knows what is best, even when we can’t understand why.

Have you been in this place? Are you there now? Are you struggling to let go of something that is broken because you can’t understand why it can’t be fixed or restored even when you’ve done all you can? I was there too.

If you’re struggling in this place today, I pray that you would pray and ask the Lord to heal your heart. I pray you’d ask him to give you the strength to find acceptance and to trust that you can move forward without what is now broken.

To move forward and heal you must place your situation into God’s hands. Ask him for the strength to accept his will, even if it is not the outcome you are hoping for. Pray and ask for God to heal your heart and give you the obedience and patience to be able to wait for his plans to come to pass in your life.

God prepares us for our future blessings and he equips us to be ready for them.

Sometimes our hearts desires do not line up with his will or timing for our lives. God has seasons for everything, ask that he help you discern and accept the season he has you in. Rather than desperately trying to hold onto a season that is past and already gone, move forward with hope for the blessings to come.

May we seek to learn the lesson and trust God even when we do not get what we think we need.

God allows painful situations in order to teach us valuable life lessons and to change our hearts. He let me experience loss so that I could rely soley on him to experience what love was.

God Heals Our Pain, Jeremiah 33:6. Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

God Comforts Us, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

God has Purpose in all Things, Romans‬ ‭8:28-29. We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers.

God is Our Strength in Every Situation, Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Father God,
We thank you because we know that you are a loving God and that you desire to protect us from anything that would cause harm to us. Father, many of us have things in our lives that have broken and are irreparable, but we are hanging onto them hoping for restoration and hoping that things will be fixed. Father, humble those in this struggle so that they may turn to you and seek to be strengthened so that they may move forward. Father, your word says that there is a season for everything, help your children to accept when a season has ended and place that which is broken into your hands so that their hearts can be healed and restored. Situations and circumstances may be shattered beyond repair, but our hearts are not. Father, heal like only you can. Bring acceptance, strength and renew your children’s spirits. Father we know that you make all things new, reveal to your children that you have greater in store for their future and remind them of your unfailing love for them. Although what they have lost hurts deeply, remind them of your promises Oh God. Your plans are to give us peace not suffering and a hope and a future. We thank you oh Lord for your love & protection. And we trust you father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Growing with you,

Sandy

Letting Go is Hard, but there is a Blessing in the Lesson

You Are Chosen

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The world seems like it is in chaos now. Tragedy surrounds us every where you look.

When everywhere around is loud and chaotic we sometimes question our purposes.

How can one small voice help?

There are moments I feel helpless and wonder how can someone like me with no “talents” make a difference? But then I am reminded that is a lie from the enemy.

We all have a purpose and one isn’t greater than the other. We are not called to compare ourselves to others. We must obey what GOD places in our hearts and trust that the planting of seeds matters.

Share who he is to YOU!!

You are CHOSEN to make him known!!!
You are CHOSEN to inspire the world to hunger for God!
You are CHOSEN to share of his unconditional love.
You are CHOSEN to be a light in the darkness.
You are CHOSEN to remind others that there is hope!

Don’t doubt your purpose. Share who Christ is to YOU & make him Known! The world needs him!!

“𝔹𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕔𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕪, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕘𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕗𝕪 𝔾𝕠𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕠𝕓𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕝 𝕠𝕗 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕒𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 [𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕘𝕚𝕗𝕥] 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕝𝕝 [𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕],” – 2 Corinthians 9:13 AMP

Father,
We thank you for being such a loving God. We thank you for your son, our savior, who gave his life to save us. The world is in chaos right now father and we need you. Remind us that we are all chosen and all have a purpose. Remind us that no purpose is small and that we are all needed to share who your are and what you have done for us. Call us Lord into obedience and speak through us so that we reach all who are lost and crying out to be saved. Use us to reach the world and spread the Gospel across nations!
In Jesus name, we pray Amen.
Growing with you,
Sandy

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

December 25, 2021December 25, 2021 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

As the year comes to an end, we may find ourselves reflecting on all the events that occurred, both good and bad. Sometimes it is hard to remember the good when so much bad is happening both in our lives and the world around us. I am so thankful to have Jesus walking by my side because without him I would not be capable of climbing over the mountains I have faced this year. I hold strong to faith in that God will restore all that is lost and use my hardships for his glory.

My prayer today is that all friends and family find peace and joy. If you’re alone may you draw closer to the one who is the reason for the season, JESUS, for he is one who loves us like no other can.

So many have passed on this year, so if you are here this Christmas, know that GOD still has purpose for you to fulfill. Hold strong to faith and never loose hope. He was born into this world to be our counselor, friend, father, peace, hope and Lord of all. May Jesus be your light today and always.

For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. ❤️

Growing with you!

Sandy

His Love Will Shine Through

March 1, 2021April 9, 2021 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

When Jesus holds your heart, no matter what you do to hide, He will always shine through!!

There have been times I’ve tried to hide who I am and deny that God called me to share his heart. I’ve labeled myself unworthy, lost, sinful, not smart enough, not holy enough, and more. I’ve listened to people tell me I was fake and how hypocritical christians are. And I’ve felt useless in those moments.

I’ve come to realize that may be the opinion for some, but no matter how many times I ignore the Lord’s pull on my heart nor how many times I deem myself to be unworthy he continues to remind me that his call is simple:

No matter how many times you’re knocked down, keep choosing to get back up & draw closer to me, I your Lord, will do the rest.

For he is the light 💡 and the only one which can never be dimmed.

God isn’t asking us to be perfect. He knows that we will make mistakes and sin. But don’t label yourself what you are not. Do not be defined by opinions, mistakes, your bad days, or by the voices in your head telling you what you are not.

Let God’s love shine through and allow others to see that you are a work in progress. You’re set apart because you are called by him, to remind others of his sacrifice and undying love ❤️

Father God,

We thank you for your unconditional, undying love. We thank you that you are so amazing that you have chosen us and called us. Lord when we feel weak and unworthy, remind us who we are. Remind us that it is your light [YOUR LOVE] that will ultimately shine through. We know that mistakes will be made. But remind us to never loose sight of who we are in you. Thank you for being the light within.

Amen 🙏

Growing with you,

Sandy

Be Light 💡

February 15, 2021April 9, 2021 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This world can seem so dark and many of us are living wounded in a daily struggle just trying get by. We all have internal & external battles taking place. So while my life does have dark moments, even when I am in my own storm, I still must consciously choose to help uplift others who reach out in need. Trust me, when in your own storm this is a very hard thing to do.

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to give. But as I worshiped him this morning, God reminded me that I do: I have Jesus to give.

When others come to me and they are struggling with heavy hearts I can be a light by reminding them that Jesus is their anchor! I am to let them know that Jesus will sustain them through their storm. He has done it for me time and time again, and he will do the same for them.

When you feel unworthy to be a giver or unworthy to be an example to anyone due to the personal battle you may still be fighting, be reminded that even in your storm YOU STILL CAN BE LIGHT💡 and you can still help encourage others. Show them to Jesus. That is the very thing which he has called you to do! Make a choice to still serve others and in due time, you too will be blessed and overcome the battle you are in.

Lets Pray:

Father God we thank you. We thank you for loving us when we are too weak to love ourselves. We thank you for the gift of family, friends and sometimes even strangers which you strategically place in our lives to help lift our spirits and show us that there is still light. Father we know that there are dark days we will face in this world. Remind us that we are not alone. Lord Jesus, remind us that we can still be light even when we are fighting our own battles. Give us the strength to run to you when we don’t know the way to go. Lead us, fill us and direct us Lord. Remind us we are yours and that you are by our sides in every circumstance. May we never forget that you are here. Comfort those who feel unworthy, hurt, and incapable of being used. Strengthen us to look to you to fight our battles so that we can help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Father move in our hearts and help us to walk in the purpose you set out for us. Bless all those just trying to find a way. Remind us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

In Jesus name, we give you all the Glory for the healing that will take place going forward. Amen.

~Growing with you! ❤️ Sandy