Caught!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7n7TwPDmw

Joy ~ for KING & COUNTRY

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ~ Hebrews 10:24 NIV

 

When I was in elementary school, you wanted to get “caught” by the teachers. It meant you were doing something kind, helpful, or another good behavior, for which you’d receive a “Caught You Doing Something Good” certificate. After collecting a few, you could turn them in for a small prize. Although it was likely a cheap toy, every student wanted to get “caught”.

 

Fast forwarding to about four years ago, as small group leaders, our church asked us to send thank you notes to those who served at our church. While there were many greeters at church, one stood out for the way he purposefully greeted every child. Either with a high-five or just smile and hello to them, he made a point of greeting each one. Brad sent his note to this greeter, thanking him for making our girls feel special and welcome. He noted that even though they were shy, they definitely noticed when he wasn’t there to make them feel special and personally greeted.

 

Sadly, we live in a fallen world and in a time when many are quick to point out our errors, missteps, and how we’ve offended them. While it makes the world feel darker, it gives us, as the body of Christ, an opportunity to shine all the brighter. Anyone can see someone’s faults, but it takes practice and prayerful help from Holy Spirit to “catch” and compliment one another on their love and “good deeds” towards others.

 

Who needs a kind word, thanks, or “Caught You Doing Something Good” card? Regardless of our age, we all want to be seen, known, and loved. Today and over the next few weeks, I challenge you to ask Holy Spirit to help you “catch” others doing something good. You never know how it will encourage them.

©Heather Potts 2021

We Have Hope

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn_3b2oJBec&list=RDmn_3b2oJBec&start_radio=1

Hope is Alive ~ Kristene Dimarco

 

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life]. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [as in fact He did], even so God [in this same way—by raising them from the dead] will bring with Him those [believers] who have fallen asleep in Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 AMP

 

Do you remember how you met your friend who’s helped shape your life and walk with Jesus?

I remember going to her house. Andrea had a servant’s and hostess’ heart. She made sure you never left hungry or thirsty—either physically or spiritually. From the multiple desserts on her counter to the numerous scriptures taped to her walls, Andrea was about filling the whole person. If you had a need—and she was able—she covered it, no questions asked. You’d never know she was a single mom on a tight budget by the generous way she gave. She always believed God would take care of her needs.

 

Andrea was a spit-fire warrior! She was constantly in prayer. If she knew you were struggling, she would always lead you back to Jesus, to be encouraged and strengthened. She believed her God was able and knew you should believe it, too. Even towards the end of her battle, when, physically, things kept going from bad to worse, Andrea was a fighter! She believed her God was able and would do as He saw fit in her life.

 

How do you say good-bye to such a strong, bold light?

You send her out in a flood of praises, as you thank God for how He used her to influence your life. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. Our hope is alive, and His name is Jesus! It hurts to know I can’t call her or go see her. But even if I could, she’d only lead me back to Jesus, and He’s always with me.

 

If you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, don’t pretend it doesn’t hurt. As a good friend reminded me, fighting your emotions will only cause them to come out in an undesirable way or time. I pray God would comfort you and bring you peace. I pray also that you’d find encouragement in Jesus, our hope and anchor of our souls.

 

This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells] ~ Hebrews 6:19 AMP

©Heather Potts 2021

You're Wonderful!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91hHw1YPqxE

Communion ~ Maverick City, feat. Steffany Gretzinger and Brandon Lake

 

And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

 

You’re wonderful! It’s true! I’m not making it up, putting you on, or stretching the truth. You’re also strong, bold, courageous, fierce, and victorious. Have I mentioned that you’re gentle, kind, loving, compassionate, patient, and generous? If that’s not enough, you’re also full of wisdom and knowledge, as well as very creative.

 

It’s all true, regardless of how you act, feel, or look. Perhaps the mirror shows some gray hairs, wrinkles, or extra weight. Though you may feel stressed, overwhelmed, and extremely exhausted, your worst action on your worst day can’t negate this truth.

 

Check it out:

Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; … So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them, (Genesis 1:26-27 AMP).

If you’re thinking that was before sin, let me assure you God had a plan! He buried and then raised us to life with Christ:

In Him you were also circumcised…by the [spiritual] circumcision of Christ…having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God, [as displayed] when He raised Christ from the dead, (Colossians 2:11-12 AMP).

When you are in Christ and a child of God, you “have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self,” (Colossians 3:10 AMP).

 

2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are continually and progressively being transformed into God’s image, from glory to glory. You don’t have to believe me or take my word for it. But I hope you’ll believe what God says about you because it’s true.

 

By the way, I’m fabulous! And so are you!

©Heather Potts 2021

My Mask Smells Like a Diaper

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ejs2o-uhu4&list=RD-Ejs2o-uhu4&start_radio=1&t=12

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus ~ Steffany Gretzinger

 

O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

My soul thirsts for you,

My body longs for you,

In a dry and weary land

Where there is no water.

~ Psalm 63:1 NIV

 

Have you ever had one of those days? The kind when you’re already running late for school and your kid suddenly can’t find their water bottle. You find the water bottle and dash out to the car, where she tells you she forgot her snow boots. You finally make it to school with the water bottle and snow boots, only to learn her glasses are in the bathroom and her lunch is on the kitchen counter…

 

Or maybe it was on Sunday: Everyone is up on-time, but as you’re trying to walk out the door, your younger child cries because her older sibling isn’t going to kids’ ministry, so she won’t, either. You rush around finding (and filling) water bottles, and scramble to make sure the kids have something to do – since they’ve both decided to sit in the sanctuary with you. Everyone is certain their masks are in the car, so out you go, hoping to still make it to church on-time. But then in the car, one child can’t find her mask. It’s OK, because you have spares, but she doesn’t like those. After digging through the console, you think you’ve found a winner until she says, “My mask smells like a diaper…”

 

While those examples were meant to add some humor to your day, some days feel really rough. Honestly, I wasn’t laughing in those moments (though looking back, they were hilarious). It’s the hard days that can really leave you feeling dry and weary. If you read Psalms, you’ll see David understood those days. But still, “in a dry and weary land where there is no water,” he longed and thirsted for the Lord, alone.

 

Jesus promised, “whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst,” (John 4:14). If you’ve been feeling dry and weary, it’s time to turn to the One who offers us living water. For only in Him will you find refreshing and strength to persevere.

©Heather Potts 2021