Don’t be afraid, Just Believe!

May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

What are you believing in God for today?

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.

Growing with you,

Sandy

#madepiecebypiece #dontfear #justbelieve #faith #hunger #hecanAndhewill #hisways #healing #blessing #beawakened #trust #Power

Be Still, it’s not about you…

May 22, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The Holy Spirit is speaking this to me today!!

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.”
Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬

#God #HeIsExhalted #BeStill #Godisinthis #HisWill #hisway #surrender #dietoself #spiritleadme

Happy Mothers Day!

May 14, 2023May 14, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Wishing ALL mothers [biological, expecting, spiritual, foster, stepmothers, adoptive, single, grieving, heavenly, grandmothers and pet mothers] a Blessed and Happy Mother’s Day! You all are loved, appreciated and honored on this day.

She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy. Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says,”
Proverbs 31:25-28 CEV

Mothers have strength like no other. They are strong, resilient, caring and wise. They teach their families to be kind and persevere through anything that comes to destroy.

He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
Psalms 113:9 NKJV

God may not have called you to bear your own children, but he can bless all women with a mothers heart to guide, love and be a blessing to those in need.

What is your mother? A lioness: She lay down among the lions; Among the young lions she nourished her cubs.
Ezekiel 19:2 NKJV

God gave woman an inner strength to birth and care for her children.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:30 NKJV

So many times we feel as though we are failing at motherhood. While motherhood has its beauty, it can be challenging and overwhelming. But know that God chose you for this role because you’re capable. You are honored and have his favor.

“Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”
Titus 2:3-5 AMP

Mothers are chosen to be a good examples to all, even those who are not their children.

“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27 NET

A mothers job never stops, she will always look over her children.

Show Yourself Kindness

April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

When you make a mistake, you must be kind to yourself, and give yourself the same grace you would allow another person. But for me, showing myself kindness is an area I personally know I need a lot of improvement in. I’m hard on myself when I make a mistake and I find it easier to forgive others than to forgive myself.

I am on a journey of healing, so this means, seeking to learn why forgiving myself and having grace for myself is so difficult.

When I make a mistake, I tend to call myself names, and sometimes those around me have heard it. I’ve called myself dumb, I’ve asked myself what is wrong with you, I’ve apologized to others, and I’ve spent hours stuck in mind battle trying to understand how I could make such a “stupid mistake”.

Let’s just say I treat myself worse than I would treat any other human being who has made a mistake. Even the simple ones. Being hard on myself can be because I hold myself to a higher standard than I hold others, or because I’ve had others say those very things to me. But no matter what the reasoning or source is, I’ve realized this is no longer acceptable and must change.

The Bible says our tongues hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and while I try my best not to use my tongue to degrade others, sadly, I can’t say the same for the way I have used my words or thoughts towards myself.

Yesterday, I felt Holy Spirit speaking strong to me telling me, it’s time to begin changing this. This happened after making what I felt was a crazy & ridiculous mistake. I felt lead to spend time trying to understand why is it truly easier for me to forgive others over myself. I felt lead to ask myself: “Do you think they deserve forgiveness more than you do? And the answer was no. They most certainly did not deserve forgiveness more than I did. And, I was not any more unworthy than they were.

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
Proverbs 12:17

When we apply this Bible verse inwardly, we learn that us being hard on ourselves, ultimately only hurts ourselves.

If you are someone who tries to practice showing kindness to others, why do you do it? Is it because you don’t like hurting others? Is it because you want to be seen as a good person? Is it because you know it is just morally or biblically wrong not to be kind to others?…These are some of the things I’ve had to self reflect on.

Why are some of us able to protect others, yet we have no personal boundaries set to protect ourselves from our very own self-directed insults?

We are human. We will all make mistakes.

The above statement is something I have been told many times from both friends and family members.

If you’re someone like me who is hard on yourself, try to remind yourself of this when your thoughts start to move in before you place yourself on trial. YOU ARE HUMAN, ALL HUMANS MAKE MISTAKES. Let’s remind ourselves that there was only one perfect man who walked earth, and that was our savior Jesus Christ.

Going forward may we learn to allow mistakes to be an opportunity for personal reflection and growth.

May we begin to cut off the insults instantly, before we allow them to take root in our minds and become in-planted lies we believe. Doing this will take discipline and will not come easy at first. However, I have committed myself to begin doing the work to get to the point where I will see myself through God’s eyes. Will you make this commitment to yourself with me today?

Love is patient and kind.
1 Corinthians 13:

Let’s loves ourselves and be patient and kind to ourselves.

Jesus calls us to be humble and put others before ourselves. But this doesn’t mean we are called not to be humble towards ourselves and it doesn’t mean be harder on ourselves allowing negative self thoughts to take root. We all are God’s children. Our lives are a gift. So let’s learn to recognize when we aren’t extending to ourselves the same grace which we extend to others.

I know I’ve got to do better and be a better example to my daughters. Because I would never want them being hard on themselves or unkind to themselves. If you can relate, please leave a comment or contact me directly and let me know!! My prayer is that you too would learn to show yourself kindness. 🙏

~Growing with you, Sandy

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness
is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26

Pray with me:

Father God, we thank you for your love. For loving us even during the times we aren’t loving ourselves. Father forgive us for not seeing ourselves the way you see us. Forgive us for the word curses we have spoke over ourselves without knowing that was what we were doing. Give us wisdom so that kindness will begin to flow from our tongues. May kind thoughts of ourselves run through our minds. In Jesus name, I declare the word curses we placed over ourselves are now broken. I decree that we will begin to show ourselves the same grace, mercy and kindness we extend to others. Holy Spirit, I ask that you move in and heal the hearts, minds and spirits of your people. Father God, remind them who they are.

Brothers and sisters pray these words to God right now with me: I am smart and not dumb. I am wise and not stupid. A set back does not mean I am stuck in this place of disappointment. I will reflect on why the instance, circumstance or situation happened the way it did. And I will get back up and acknowledge my mistake and try again. Maybe that means rescheduling the meeting, budgeting better and redoing finances, studying harder and retaking the test, correcting an error and resubmitting the application, pick yourself up and try again!!

Father God, we thank you for Holy Spirit conviction and for reminding us we can learn from setbacks and mistakes. Holy Spirit,lead us on this journey. Lord Jesus, remind us to love and show kindness to ourselves in the same way you do to us. We know only you are able, in your mighty name we pray, Amen.

It will happen at the Right time

March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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!!

Growing with you, Sandy

IT IS YOU, that holds us together

January 8, 2023January 9, 2023 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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.

Lord, We Need You!

July 29, 2022July 30, 2022 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