Tag: Hope

His Sacrifice

His Sacrifice

by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Today let’s give Jesus all glory, all honor and all praise. His sacrifice on the cross saved us from enteral damnation. He gave his life so that we could live!! So that everyone could live.

Jesus said, “It is finished”, meaning he paid it ALL! There was no debt remaining, there was nothing left to be paid. His sacrifice paid it completely & permanently.

Take time today to reflect on what sacrifice truly means to you. And think of just how much God loves us to be willing to give his only son so that we could have eternal life even when we aren’t worthy.

Reflect today on what sacrifice means to you. What would you be capable of sacrificing that you hold dear?

Imagine giving up your life for another. Yesterday, I went and saw the movie, His Only Son and wow, was it powerful!! Can you imagine being asked to give up your only child or your only son? It’s close to impossible to think of ourselves in the that position isn’t it? I likely would not be strong enough to let my baby go, let alone by my own hands. My human heart would fail me in that situation.

In Genesis 22:1-12, Abraham showed us what supernatural faith is. Abraham didn’t understand why God wanted him to sacrifice his only son. But, even when he didn’t understand, he trusted God with supernatural faith and and he obeyed. Even his son Isaac who was to be sacrificed knew it wasn’t his will to be sacrificed, but he didn’t fight it, he and his father were both willing to trust God and obey his command even when it did no make sense to them. That must have taken unshakable faith to do.

God’s commanding Abraham to sacrifice his own son Isaac was in parallel a foreshadowing of God’s sacrifice of His own Son, His only son.

  • Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”- Genesis 22:2.
  • For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Our Father God, gave up his only son Jesus as a sacrifice to save us!! Do you realize how just deep is God’s love? Do you know how much you’re truly loved?

  • Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering. – Genesis 22:2.
  • For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, – 1 Corinthians 15:3.

What would you be capable of sacrificing? Can you even imagine or fathom how much obedience being willing to sacrifice your own child takes?

The very thought causes me to cry out to God. God thank you for your sacrifice!!! Thank you for your great love. Jesus thank you for loving us so much that you chose to endure the cross.

Let’s praise our Lord and Savior today!! He is so worthy!! Think of his great love today, remember his sacrifice and know you are to die for.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, would you like to open up your heart and let him in today? He gave his life on the cross, so that you could have eternal life in heaven. To do this, we must repent for our sins and ask him into our hearts. If you would like to do this today, say this prayer with me:

Father God, forgive me of my sins. I know that I am a sinner, and Jesus Christ died on the cross so that I could have eternal life. Today, I open up my heart and invite you in. I believe that Jesus took the punishment so that through his sacrifice on the cross I could gain eternal life. I receive your free offer of forgiveness, and accept you to be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness, in Jesus name. Amen.

If you said this prayer, know that you are now saved and have eternal life in heaven. I praise God and rejoice with you!! “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” – Luke 15:7 NLT

If you have said this prayer today, please send me a message. I would love to pray for you.

Living as a Christian is a blessing, but can have challenges. Seek out a local, bible based church that you can plug into. Community is so important when you desire to dedicate your life to God. By connecting with the local church you will find brothers and sisters who will help you grow in your walk with God and support you when the enemy tries to turn you away from him. Finding a home church can take time, so, even if you have to be at visit a few, take your time and do not get discouraged. Pray to God and ask him to reveal to you when you have found the church he desires for you to call home.

Father God, we thank you for sacrificing your only son for our sins so that we can live and have life, eternal life. Lord, transform our hearts into one of gratitude, one of remembrance, and honor for all you have done for us. Lord draw us near to you, and fill us with your love so that we would be willing to share all you have done for us with everyone who will listen. Let us share of your unconditional love and of your transformational power. Lord, thank you for showing us what true love is, true sacrificial love. A love with no condition. We honor you today, we worship you today, and we give you all praise. You alone are worthy Lord. Thank you for paying our debt. Hallelujah, we love you Lord! May we continue to praise you for all the days of our lives, in Jesus Mighty Name, we pray Amen.

May God bless you and continue to draw you closer to him.

Growing with you,

Sandy

Worth, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Something New

Something New

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

Lord, We Need You!

Lord, We Need You!

by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Words hurt!

People will insult you.

People will belittle you.

They will tell lies about you.

They will try to break you.

They will try to push you down.

Their words will pierce your heart and they will pierce your soul.

They will make you think less of yourself.

But do not give up on life.

Do not believe their lies.

Do not believe their opinions.

You are not less than.

You do have a purpose.

There is hope.

God created each one of us from the very moment of conception with a God given, appointed purpose.

You are not what has happened to you.

Your circumstances do not define you.

God loves and cares for you.

When your heart aches cry out to him!

He will show up for you and pull you through.

No matter what they say or what it is you are battling, cry out Lord I need you!!

You must understand God has so much in store for you.

God has a plan and a future for you.

God is going to use your pain for your purpose!!

He is going to use you to help others who will walk through the very valley you’re in now.

Do not give up on yourself.

Your life is tied to saving the lives of others.

Pray to God and ask him to give you strength.

Your testimony is for others.

You will overcome.

You will be used for greater!

Father God, we give you thanks for you are worthy of all praise. We call upon your name and cry out to you. Lord, I need you. Lord, we need you. Lord, your people need you. Father, hear the cries of your people and show up for them. Show them Lord that they are never walking alone and that you are with them. Holy Spirit move in their lives and transform their spirits from within. Father God, comfort hearts and break strongholds. Lord Jesus, you are love. Remind your people that they have been set apart by you for a greater purpose. Renew their strength oh Lord so that they may fulfill their God-given purposes to help others. Align them with the right people who will help strengthen them. Father God, we know that our pain births our God given purpose. Renew your people Lord, reveal yourself to them and give them the strength to stand in the midst of the attacks, insults and pain. Father, comfort them in their pain. We come against the plans of the enemy Lord and declare that your will for their lives will come to pass. They will overcome and have a testimony to encourage and empower others. Father God we know that you will go before them so that they may intercede and go before others in the future. Strengthen us to walk in our God given purpose. We know that only you are able to provide for our needs. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Growing with you,

Sandy

Brighter Days are Coming

Brighter Days are Coming

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

Not all that is Broken can be Put Back Together

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

Pray for Ukraine

Pray for Ukraine

by madepiecebypiece ♥ 1 Comment

Today, our Christian duty is to pray.

This morning as I awoke to read the news my heart began to ache. I’ve read about the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine for a few weeks now but, today my heart is in disbelief as I sit watching the videos of it actually happening.

I watched videos & photos of explosions and my heart immediately filled with aches for all of the innocent lives that will be lost and for the people who are there living through this nightmare wondering if they are going to live to see tomorrow.

I looked at my precious babygirl as I dressed her and I thought of all the poor children there in this moment hearing bombs go off, filled with fear, wondering what the scary loud noises are.

As I said my morning prayer for safety over my baby girl right before she left with her dad, I thought about the Moms and dads in Ukraine who are praying for safety and protection over their own babies. But how sad is it that they are praying for protection from war bombs that could possibly take their lives.

I watched videos of crying and of devastation all around. Questions ran through my mind; Why God do innocent people have to die? God, how can people be so evil, to take so many innocent lives? Life is so precious, why don’t all people see it this way?

My heart aches with heaviness.

No one should have to live through that type of trauma or fear.

I have never been into politics and have stayed away from the news since it is always so negative. But today, I found myself glued to the news helpless. I am across the world, but today my duty is to pray for the people in Ukraine.

Please join me in praying over the following:

  • Pray for God’s intervention.
  • Pray for protection & safety over the innocent.
  • Pray for world leaders, for wisdom and guidance over difficult decisions to be made.
  • Pray for hope, comfort and peace.
  • Pray for the fear, anxiety and for the heavy hearts the Ukraine people are experiencing.
  • Pray for the soldiers and the civilians preparing to fight to protect their own people.
  • Pray for the salvation of anyone who doesn’t know Christ.
  • Pray for this war to end.

Father God, We thank you because we know that you are a loving God who hears the cries of your children. We come to you today in prayer asking you to protect your people in the Ukraine. Protect the innocent children. Remove fear from their minds and hearts in this moment Lord and let them know that you are with them. Father, we ask that you deliver them from the evil of the enemy and that you answer their prayers as they call upon your name. Father, give them strength to look to you in the midst of chaos and turmoil. Father guide the world leaders as they make decisions and direct their choices. Father cover the soldiers and any civilians that are preparing to fight to protect their families and community. May they fight courageously knowing that you are there with them. Lord, we pray for anyone who does not know you, that they have that opportunity of salvation through an encounter with the Holy Spirit. You are mighty to save Lord Jesus! Move Lord, your people need you. We ask for peace in the mighty name of Jesus our Savior! Amen.

Praying in agreement with you,

Sandy 🙏

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. Psalm 20:1