Influencers

https://youtu.be/8Mm9cex0auU

Winter Snow ~ Audrey Assad 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ~ John 3:17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.17.ESV

My favorite time of the day is my morning quiet time with God. I typically get up while the house is still quite to have my alone time. But one morning, my girls wanted to spend time with God, in my space. At first, I was annoyed, because they were encroaching on my time and space. But later, God showed me that it was a blessing and an honor – my girls were learning about God through me, because of me. They wanted to spend time with God, just like they saw Mommy doing.

Today, you may be working in a field, serving at your church or in your community, or even raising your kids because of what you saw your parents or grandparents doing. Today’s scripture reminds us that Jesus came to save the world – a mission He learned and received from His Father. Whether we realize it or not, we are world changers, influencing others. Some of them already know God, and you’re just encouraging them to draw closer. But to others, you are a light in their darkness. They haven’t been able to find their way, but God is drawing them out through the light He’s placed within you.

As you read the words today, ask God to use you to lead those you influence closer to Him. After all, as God’s kids, we’re on the same mission as our Father.

©Heather Potts 2018

Shine

https://youtu.be/d17hi1s6Tgg

Light Shine Bright ~ Toby Mac

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16 NIV

In Wisconsin, especially in the winter, people take notice when the sun shines. Even the girls have noticed how dark it is and think it’s still time for bed, instead of for school. And for the next week, the darkness may feel like it's growing, as we draw closer to the shortest "day" of the year.

I remember growing up, hearing people talk about "seasonal depression," which was attributed to the lack of sunlight in the winter months. But until coming back from Florida, the "sunshine state," I didn't realize how much not seeing the sun could affect you. The same is true about the light you carry inside of you: 

“...You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now…shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven," (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG).

As dark as winter is, I couldn't imagine living even the brightest season without Christ. Last winter, I noticed how much darker, colder, and longer winter felt about mid-January, because everyone had put away their Christmas lights. People who don't know Jesus, or who've lost sight of Him, walk around every day in darkness. They feel the cold of winter, but never the warmth of Christmas – the season of welcoming and experiencing Jesus. This year, don't let the generosity and love of Jesus stop shining in you, just because you put away the tree. Let God's light always shine brightly through you, for all to see. 

©Heather Potts 2018

Yes, You Can!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzw6A2WC5Qo&feature=youtu.be

Invincible ~ Skillet

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ~ Hebrews 12:1 NIV

In recent months, my brother has been sharing his workouts on Facebook. On one hand, you might be annoyed by someone who posts every time they workout, while you do it without the glory. But on the other hand, you might find some inspiration. When you look closely at his pictures, you see that he’s surrounded by others who are just as sweaty--be it basketball or spin class. 

A few years ago, when I started running, Brad went with me, but he couldn't continue, and I had to decide if I was going to do it on my own. What I discovered was that I wasn’t alone. Hebrews 12 says, "We are SURROUNDED by a great cloud of witnesses." The witnesses are those who have gone before us, who've walked where we're walking, and who are cheering us on, from the very first trial all the way through to triumph! 

During my runs, there were many times I didn't think I could make one more step, certainly not another block. But it was in those times Holy Spirit said, "Yes, you can! Don't quit! Don't quit! Don't quit!" Each time I pushed through, I was so proud of myself for not quitting, because each time I went further than I thought I could. 

Today, I am not prepping for a run. Two months of migraines and vertigo really takes a toll. But even in the simplistic work out, even with a pinched nerve in my neck, I don't want to quit. I refuse to back down. And this is what we've been training for, a won't-back-down attitude. 

Since moving to Wisconsin 16 months ago, we've faced more disappointment, heartache, and trials than I care to recount. But God has also surrounded us. Every day, I am truly amazed and in awe of all God has done for us, brought us through, blessed us with, and the "won't-quit-won't-back-down" attitude He's built up within us.

I think it was John Bevere who said this season is the training ground for the next. Whatever hardship you may be walking through, today, remember, you're not alone. Listen as Holy Spirit encourages you, especially on the hard days, "Yes you can! Now, don't quit!" 

©Heather Potts 2018

Good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pomqj7acJc4

King of My Heart ~ Steffany Gretzinger & Jeremy Riddle

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28 KJV

The enemy will use anything to crush us physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the past 2 ½ months, it’s been with severe migraines, vertigo, and huge drops in my blood pressure. Several tests and doctor appointments haven’t explained it. Two weeks ago, I decided it wasn’t going to beat me. Despite the pain, I began exercising. The first day, I paid with even worse migraines. But I persevered. When the enemy saw I wasn’t going to back down, he moved on to something else. This time, it was old lies that shake me to the core.

I’ve been hiding my fears, afraid someone will tell me they’re not lies, but truth. But I’m not hiding any longer! The enemy likes to tell me I’m a bad mom and I’m going to screw up my kids. Due to traumatic events from both childhood and in my late teen years, I was in counseling a long time. Unfortunately, a counselor once told me history would repeat itself and the ugliness that I experienced would be felt by my kids. That’s a major factor in why we put off having kids for so long. Even though I’ve battled the fear – the lie – of being a bad mom, and often thought I’d put it to rest, it seems to rear its ugly head when I’ve been weakened by something else (migraines and vertigo, in this case). But God is good! This morning, as I listened to King of My Heart, I heard Steffany Gertzinger say, “The only thing in my entire life greater than my fears was my conviction…I knew He was who He said He was… Sometimes we sing something because we believe it, because we’re sure. And sometimes we sing it until we’re sure, until we know.”

Good: excelling in any aspect; distinguished.

The truth is, I’m a good mom because I have a good Heavenly Father, who is teaching me, by example, how to be the best mom to my girls. And I have a wonderful husband, who battles on my behalf, against these lies and for me to walk in the truth. I also have wonderful friends who pray for and remind me of God’s truth.

My prayer for you, is that whatever lies have been plaguing your life will be squashed, today! That you’d battle on, reminding yourself that God is good, and He called you on purpose, for His specific purposes. I pray you’d remember that your future in Him far outshines anything in your past, and that even though the past may have been traumatic, He’ll use all things for your good and His glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2018

Not Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3tmfTQ1Zz0&start_radio=1&list=RDz3tmfTQ1Zz0

You’re Not Alone ~ Meredith Andrews

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid… for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

For the past 5 years, one of our Christmas traditions is to make a DVD of our girls for our relatives who don’t live nearby. I remember my Grandpa Hayes telling me, every year, that he had to take it to my Uncle Ron’s house, because Ron had a DVD player. After Brad’s dad passed away, Brad and his sister were cleaning out his apartment. They found many things, including all the DVDs we made for him. It’s Christmas time, again, and I’m getting the DVD’s ready this year… But there are two I won’t be sending. And the realization made me cry, as if those two men had died just yesterday.

Maybe, like our family, you’ll be celebrating with one less loved one this year. Or maybe your family has all grown and moved away. Or perhaps you’re surrounded by others, but you just feel alone. God promised to never leave you – never let you fall, never fail you, never release you from His protecting hands – and to never forsake you – never leave, desert, or abandon you. Pain is such a strong emotion. It can cloud your thinking, causing you to feel things that aren’t real. Pain says, “You’re all alone. No one understands. You’ll never get through this.” God says, “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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,” (Isaiah 41: 9-10 NIV).

Whether you’re surrounded by many or no one this Christmas, remember that the God who created the world, as well as your innermost being, will always be with you. You’re never alone.

©Heather Potts 2018