This season is not the easiest for me this year after the passing of my Dad, just less than 5 week’s ago. I spent months this year watching his health decline as he grew sicker and slowly disappeared. But, I want to take the time to stop and remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate. Because he left Heaven to be with us, so that he could give us a way to join him there one day.
So today, I spend time with my family and I thank the Lord coming to give us hope. It may hurt now, but I know joy always comes in the morning so for that I give him all praise, honor and glory.
If you’re like me and experiencing loss, pain, sadness or suffering of any kind this holiday season, I pray that you will call out to the Lord for peace & comfort. And I pray that you too will hold tight to the truth that “Their Will Be Joy in the Morning!” Jesus came for the broken. You can trust him with whatever you’re struggling or battling with. May you find comfort & healing in the Lord’s presence this Christmas 🙏
Growing with you,
Sandy
”For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
When we enter into relationship with someone who does not share our same values or calling, we become unequally yoked.
No peace can be found in this type of relationship. You will hurt one another. As one pulls in one direction, the other will pulls in the opposite direction. You’ll each be left feeling alone and frustrated.
Some of my ladies need to hear this, we cannot change a man, only God can! I had to learn this & when I finally did, the peace of the Lord fell upon me, and washed away all of my pain.
𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧:
Getting involved in a relationship with someone who did not share my same religious views, or values pulled me away from God. It didn’t happen immediately, and I didn’t actually realize it was happening, until I felt so unworthy to even step foot back into my church.
Conflict and anger slowly became a daily part of daily life. Deep within I wanted this person to be the man I needed him to be: a man who pointed me to Christ, but he did not and he could not. Because when it came down to core values, there was division.
If your faith is important to you, wait for the one who will lead you to the feet of Jesus.
✝️Wait for the one who will pray with you and for you.
✝️Wait for the one who will go to battle for you in the spirit.
✝️Wait for the one who will love you the way Christ loves the church.
✝️Wait for the one who will do the kingdom work with you.
Do not settle, and if you have settled know you don’t have to stay there. Hold your head up high, repent and begin your walk with God again. Walk in confidence knowing that he created you for a partner who will grow beside you and cover you spiritually as you both mature in faith.
Doing it my way failed me, and it will fail you too. Eventually the high will fade and you’ll find yourself in a low place living in torment inside of your mind. My hope that my Love for God would be contagious and spill over into my partner, left me broken in the end.
I know that am not the only one to experience this or walk through this valley. Glory to God that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. And Glory to God that he is a God of restoration. Wait on the Lord!
There is joy in the waiting when you fall in love with Jesus ❤️🙏🙌
Pray with me:
Heavenly father, I lift up anyone who is hurting tonight, and being tormented by fear, division, mental or physical abuse or guilt and shame. Remind your children that you created each of us with a divine purpose. Help us to seek relationships that are divine appointments in line with your perfect will for our lives. Father God, today we come before you, and we repent of our sins. We ask you to forgive us for all the times we took our life into our own hands. Our lives are not our own. Everything we go through has purpose and is for your glory. Father God, strengthen anyone who is not in the place you have called them to, and give them the courage to move. May they open their hearts to you in full surrender. Father God, remove from all of us anything that is not from you or of you. Our hearts desire is to grow close to you and to walk in your purpose. May your will be done in our lives and through our lives. Father, may anyone who comes in contact with this word, surrender their heart, and fall at your feet. Lead us Lord, and show us what true love is. In Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen.
Stand on his promise and strengthen your faith so that fear is crushed and your only option is to believe!!
Don’t let fear creep in. Remember God has not given you a spirit of fear. Have desperate faith for God to deliver. Want it so badly that you have no other choice but to believe and activate the power of your faith!
Seek the Lord with all of your heart and open your eyes to see that when he comes through and delivers, it may not be in the way you were expecting or crying out for. But, it will be the Lord’s will and at the Lord’s direction. And it will be perfect and powerful!
In Mark 5:35-43,
Jairus had to have strong faith to ask Jesus to save his daughter’s life. As a synagogue leader, he heard of Jesus and the miracles Jesus was performing and he was desperate for a miracle to save his daughter. Jairus believed with all his heart that Jesus could save her. He had strong faith in Jesus’s ability to do what he needed him to do.
But as they walked to Jairus’s home, someone came and told them that Jairus’s daughter had already died, but Jesus told Jairus to fear not and just believe!! And Jesus went into the home, into the room by her beside and he raised her from death! After doing so, he told them not to report what happened there to anyone, and to feed her.
After reading this I wondered why he told them to feed her. We know that food nourishes and restores, and when someone is near death and gets revived they need nourishment to be strengthened. So perhaps, this is also a reminder that when someone we love goes through something that nearly takes them out, we must remember to feed them (physically and spiritually) in order to help fully restore them.
The very same goes for ourselves, when we overcome that which the enemy sent to take us out, we must remember to feed ourselves afterwards. We must take care of our spiritual health by getting into the word of God, and also eat healthier so that our physical body can heal, and be strengthened to live and not die.
From this story, we can see the power that Jesus has and we are shown what powerful faith can do when you believe wholeheartedly. To believe wholeheartedly is to believe without any doubt that The Lord is able to heal or revive the person, thing, or situation we need him to. We must believe he can do it and he will do it.
Jesus told them not to discuss what happened with anyone. Why do you think this is? Some think it was to not bring attention to Jesus. Jesus didn’t want his ministry interfered with, but of course it got out because miracles are hard to hide. Imagine being in that position, you would probably want to shout it out to the entire world, and tell everyone you know what he did for your child, wouldn’t you?
Perhaps it wasn’t her parents who shared the news, maybe it was someone else who was in the house? Either way, Jesus, raising Jarius’s daughter from the dead symbolized Jesus’s mighty power! He showed the power of God The Father that was within him. He showed them who he was!!
Can you imagine if Jarius had allowed fear to set in and not have asked Jesus to heal his daughter? Fear could have blocked him from his greatest blessing.
What fear are you battling with today? What fear is holding you back from strong faith? Strong faith, through which you go call on Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and cry out to them for breakthrough. Ask The Lord to strengthen your faith so that fear never causes you to miss the miracle.
Cast down fear before it takes root. And if already rooted, uproot and dismantle that fear in Jesus name. Trust the Lord and watch his mighty power move! Know he is able!!
Pray with me:
Father God, we thank you for your healing power that works through our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We thank you, that you are a God of miracles, and that you answer prayers. Lord Jesus, I lift up anyone who is hurting today or in need of healing for themselves or a family member. I ask that you grow within them, supernatural faith, faith, so strong that there is not an ounce of doubt within their mind or heart. May they believe wholeheartedly in your ability to heal and deliver and bring their petitions before you. Hallelujah!!! I praise you Jesus because I know that you are able and willing. Hallelujah, I praise you Lord and give you all glory and honor for what you are about to do. I ask Lord, that you would strengthen your people, and that you would break the chains that are holding them down, bound to fear. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.
Sometimes what we are going through isn’t about us!! There is no need to argue or fight. God is above it all!!! He will be exalted!!!
No matter what is attacking you today or what you are going through step out of your emotions and let God in. Let him remind you it’s not about you, about them, nor about what either of you want or need. Let GOD alone be exalted! He alone deserves all praise for everything that happens.
Even in the frustration, sadness, confusion, he is right there and no matter the outcome. He will be exalted!
We must let down our wants, desires and expectations and seek him in the madness. Trust him in the hardest situation and fully rely on him. It’s not about our will. Trials are here, walk through them and let them build you.
My Prayer Today:
Jesus, what are you trying to teach me today? This is all I am seeking.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalms 46:10 NKJV
“Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
Psalms 46:10 CSB
“Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
When you are waiting on some thing to happen, it is easy to become discouraged and begin to worry. When you realize that you are in a state of worry, that is when you must remind yourself that God’s timing is perfect. He will show up when he feels the time is right!
Do not allow yourself to be consumed by worry. When you realize this is happening, draw closer to him in that very moment and watch him strengthen your faith. Remind yourself who you serve & of the many times he showed up & made a way.
The waiting season has purpose, allow him to grow your heart and spirit. And if you are waiting for someone else, lift them in prayer and ask God to comfort them in this season. Ask him to draw them close so that they may come to know of his unfailing love. We must not grow weary in the waiting. Wait with expectation & praise for what is to come.
GOD is Amazing SO trust him and know:
🔺The healing will come!!
🔺The housing will come!!
🔺That job you need will hire you!!
🔺That child will return home!!
🔺That loved one will get saved!!
🔺That approval will come!!
🔺The battle will be victorious!!
🔺The funds are on the way!!
At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.
Isaiah 60:22 NLT
I decree and declare that the Lord will come through and your waiting will have been worth it. Fear and worry have no place in your mind. Peace and blessings are your portion. Rejoice for what is to come. May we shatter worry with our praise as we wait on God’s blessings!!
Some of us have multiple things or responsibilities going on at once. We are parents, providers, supporters, encouragers and also have manage protects and challenges in our places of work to juggle simultaneously as well.
Sometimes trying to manage all many things at once can cause us to feel as though we are living in chaos. This chaos can feel both organized and unorganized at times, and this can be overwhelming.
When chaos is all around, there is something we need to be reminded of: What seems like chaos to you, may appear as order to another. What appears as weakness to you, may appear as strength to another. What appears to be falling apart to you, may appear to be held together by another. It is all a matter perspective and faith.
So when you’re feeling as though chaos is all around you or that there is no one you can count on to be there for you, drop to your knees and lay it all at the feet of Jesus. This is what he wants from us; to come to him when we are weary or heavy laden (Mathew 11:28), so that he may give us rest and restore and renew our strength both physically and mentally.
We were not made to handle the struggles of life alone. So when your load is heavy and life is waring against you, call on Jesus. He will handle it all for you.
“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ Indeed, all those who are angry with you will be put to shame and humiliated; Those who strive against you will be as nothing and will perish. You shall search for those who quarrel with you, but will not find them; They who war against you will be as nothing, as nothing at all. For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:10-13 AMP
No matter how big or heavy you feel your fight or burdens are, God will protect you and hold you together and handle all that is before you. God is mighty and powerful! He can move the mountains you thought were impossible to move.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for your unfailing love, grace and mercy. I thank you for always being here for me and for all of your children when we need you. Father God, tonight I pray for anyone who is up battling anxiety or fear. Father God, life can feel really overwhelming and hectic sometimes. At times there can be so much to handle that we are trying to prioritize but still feel as if life is a chaotic mess. The enemy is out to corrupt our minds and hearts. In Jesus name, I pray against the enemies plans, and I decree and declare peace will fall upon anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. Tonight, I ask you LORD Jesus, could you cover them and replace their fear or anxiety with peace. Holy Spirit fill their rooms, comfort them and make your presence known, transforming their hearts and minds. Remind them, LORD Jesus, that you desire for us to call upon your name in our times of need, and that you are our helper and you will uphold them and fight any battle they are facing, whether it be mental, physical, or a health report or illness. Remind them Holy Spirit that they are not alone. May they take comfort in knowing GOD is with them, even through the darkest of nights. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen 🙏
I heard this song today and although I have heard it many times before, it inspired me tonight to write this blog post. If you are reading this and have found any encouragement through my words, I pray that this video will also uplift you and comfort you in your time of need reminding you that It is God who holds us together, and he always will when we call upon him.
“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.
Made Piece by Piece 