They're Just Threats

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you … ~ Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

I was awakened at 2:22am, at the end of a horrible nightmare. It was then that Holy Spirit reminded me of a truth from a previous Sunday’s sermon: “[Satan] threatens us with things he can’t do.” The pastor’s words are a good reminder that the devil is “a liar and father of lies,” (John 8:44). Satan comes not as a herald of truth. He is only a propagator—a spewer—of lies.

His lies come in the form of words, threats, and even physical attacks on the body. Literally two hours after submitting my book for publication, I was hit with weird physical pain. Though it was only discomfort at first, the pain became very intense. As the pain got serious, so did my stance against the enemy’s attack. You don’t fight a fire by running away, but with Holy Water: The Name of Jesus!

After an overnight battle, which included prayer, worship, and communion, I checked-in with a nurse to ensure I wasn’t ignoring something. I heeded her physical recommendations and continued my prayers. Thankfully, God knew I was going to face this battle, so He prepared me in advance.

In preparation for publishing my first book, I’ve been reviewing a lot of other authors’ books, especially their layout and covers. As I was flipping through the pages of Kim Anderson’s book, Live, Not Die, I reread her battle plan. Though her book is about her battle with and victory over cancer, this is still spiritual warfare. Kim Anderson’s words reminded me to not just speak scripture over my life, but to also speak life and health to all my body parts. By adding her battle plan to mine, and continuing to look to Jesus for my healing, I was feeling 100% by the following evening.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]. ~ 3 John 1:2 AMP

Being wise to the devil’s schemes doesn’t keep him from attacking me, (hello, 2:22am!). It also doesn’t mean I am always quick to recognize his attacks. But as the Lord remains faithful to equip me for incoming attacks and to walk with me when they arrive, I know that with Christ I can overcome.

So don’t worry, because I am with you.
    Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.
I will make you strong and will help you.
    I will support you with my right hand that saves you. ~ Isaiah 41:10 ICB

God is Omniscient: ALL Knowing.

God is Omnipotent: ALL Powerful.

God is Omnipresent: Always Everywhere.

There is no time or place to which God’s knowledge, power, and presence do not extend.

When we remember who God is, how can we fear anything the devil might threaten?

©Heather Potts 2023

*Check out my new site and my new book, available to pre-order today!

 

 

The Lord's Symphony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2U7ffUM5Ec

So Will I (100 Billion X) ~ Hillsong United

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

~ Psalm 96:11-12 NIV

 

Have you ever needed a moment (or two) for yourself? Have you ever wanted to step away for a short break? When you did, where did you go? Because it was a nice summer day and the rest of my family was elsewhere, I went to a trail near our house and sat on a bench.

 

As I sat there, surrounded by grassy fields, trees, and wildflowers, I thanked God for the quiet, beautiful day. The sun was warm on my skin, (meaning this redhead couldn’t stay out very long), the breeze was soft, and the scenery was peaceful. And that’s when I heard it: the Lord’s symphony.

 

Even though it was void of the noises of my house, work, or people rushing to and fro, that field was teeming with life. Multiple kinds of birds were calling to one another. A nearby creek was running. The wind was tickling the leaves in the trees, on the bushes, and on the hanging vines. Even the plane flying high overhead joined in, all combining to create the Lord’s masterpiece.

 

And who gets to hear it? For whom did He make it?

 

Is it alone for the deer, ducks, and dogs?

Is it for bugs, butterflies, and bumblebees?

Is it for the fish, frogs, and fireflies?

 

Yes, and it’s also for walkers, runners, and bikers.

It’s for the kids in their yards and the parents watching nearby.

It’s even for the busy people, those rushing to and fro, on their way somewhere.

 

The Lord composed His symphony for you and for me – for any who will stop and enjoy what His hands have made with us in mind. Take a moment today and enjoy the Lord’s symphony.

©Heather Potts 2023

*Check out my new site and my new book, available to pre-order today!

I am Known

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gKXu6J2wE

Jesus Loves Me ~ Chris Tomlin

 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.”

~ Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

 

I sat down, yesterday, to write in my journal, but then began to cry. They weren’t tears of sadness, but of knowing…that I’ve been known, seen, and loved.

 

El Roi is the God who sees you. This isn’t just a quick glance. El Roi knows your deepest, most intimate needs, desires, and even fears. He has dug away the dirt that’s been piled up and packed down and found the tiny seed that was buried deep inside your heart. This seed is almost too afraid to barely whisper, “See me,” because it really wants God to “Love me”.

 

It doesn’t matter how the seed got buried so far beneath the surface. Any number of circumstances, including lies, could have shoved it there. What matters is that you are seen. You are known. And you are loved!

 

Because God knows you, He calls you. But He does more than just call you.

He…:

sees you.                             knows you.                         made you.                          

designed you.                    freed you.                            loves you.                           

covers you.                        carries you.                         trains you.                          

heals you.                          satisfies you.                      blesses you.       

fights for you.                   protects you.                      stretches you.                   

prunes you.                       feeds you.                           teaches you.                      

counsels you.                    instructs you.                     forgives you.                     

prays for you.                   cares for you.                     protects you.

helps you.                         clothes you.                       restores you.                     

refreshes you.                  empowers you.                 replenishes you.               

provides for you.             transforms you.                 walks with you.                

has redeemed you.         is faithful to you.              strengthens you.             

renews your power.        nourishes you.                  invites you to His Table.

And more!

I encourage you to take some time and ask El Roi—the God who sees you—what facet of His love, which part, specifically, He wants you to focus on today and in your current season. Maybe today it’s just remembering that you are known: really, truly, and fully known.

©Heather Potts 2023

Trust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je3lmscEkBc

Arrows (I Will be with You) ~ Bethel Music, We the Kingdom

 

Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!

~ Psalm 40:4 ESV

 

What do you trust?

Most of us trust many things without even realizing it: our furniture to hold up when we sit or lay down, our electricity and water to turn on, the sun to rise and set, our money to be in the bank, etc. What happens when that trust is betrayed? How do we respond when circumstances are drastically changed, and we don’t even know what we can trust?

 

Psalm 40:4 says, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” The word, “trust” means, “refuge, security, confidence,” (H4009 - Miḇṭāḥ - Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (Kjv), n.d.). We find a sense of security in a great number of things, very few being a complete trust in the Lord. But the things in which we take refuge and comfort—like our seat at church, the dollar amount in the bank, our address, our relationships, or even the condition of our Bibles [mine’s currently falling apart]—are all fleeting and eventually give out, get used up, or fade away into a distant memory. The only true thing we can trust is Jesus’ love and faithfulness toward us.

 

When I looked up verses on the Lord being my trust, several verses included statements about the Lord being my refuge, strength, and shield. When we make something fleeting the source of our trust, we are binding ourselves to it. When it disappears, so does our sense of security. However, because the Lord is unchanging and unending, so is the seat of our trust and security when we center our lives around Him and make His words—His promises—the core of our security. Then, nothing will stop, shake, or move us!

 

Lately, I’ve been studying Peter and his faith before and after jumping out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. When I make the Lord my trust, as Peter did, then I can walk by faith—even walk on water—because then I won’t even see the water.

I will only see Jesus, my trust.

©Heather Potts 2023

But God

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwijX74r7tk

Do You See What I See ~ Elevation Worship

 

…This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” ~ 2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV

 

What do you see when you look at this picture? Art for a “Handle with Care” or “Fragile” poster. Permission to get new plates. Help with eating smaller portions. Broken relationships. Pain and scars. All of these are valid. I see a tagline and it read: “But God.”

 

I have had friendships and relationships that looked just like that plate: broken, separated, not put back together. Sadly, I allowed too many to stay that way. Some, however, I refused to let go and went back to God again, and again, until He changed the situation, me, or both, and made us stronger than ever.

 

How do we get from shattered to strengthened? Years ago, I read a story about Eastern European vase-makers. They create paper-thin vases and paint each one by hand. When the paint has dried, they pass it off to the next person, who drops the fragile vase into a metal box where it’s shattered into hundreds of pieces.

 

Why do you think they make the vases so fragile, then paint them, only to drop them? Why did Joseph tell his brothers, who intended to harm him, “Do not be afraid,” (Genesis 50:19). Why did Jahaziel say to King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army,” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Why did Jeremiah say to the people of Israel, “Do not…be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them,” (Jeremiah 10:1). Because they knew victory was on the other side.

 

The vase-maker takes the broken pieces of the vase and then, painstakingly, glues the pieces back together. Why? As Paul said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT). When you break your leg or arm, the broken bone heals and is not likely to break again in that same place because it’s stronger after it’s been broken. The same is true with the vase. The vase-maker glued the broken pieces together but didn’t just leave them that way. Like Christ works all things for our good, the vase-maker covers the glue with gold paint to accentuate the strengthened places.

 

All the men who had encouraged others knew something about the situation:

·         Joseph: but God intended it for good, (Genesis 50:20).

·         Jahaziel: the battle is not yours, but God’s, (2 Chronicles 20:15).

·         Jeremiah: But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding, (Jeremiah 10:12).

As soon as we understand that “but” negates everything prior to that word, then, though our situation looks bleak, with no hope, God comes in to heal, strengthen, and accentuate the strengthened places. Because He’s no respecter of persons, what He’s done for others in the past, He’ll do for you in your present and future.

 

When you’re feeling defeated and think things are hopeless, remember:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, (Psalm 73:6 NIV).

©Heather Potts 2023

 

Full

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzw6A2WC5Qo

Feel Invincible ~ Skillet

 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~ John 10:10 NIV

 

Two weeks ago, the school gym was very full! The gymnasium/school lunchroom was full of people, full of noise, full of decorations and chairs for the upcoming musical. It was full! But it wasn’t just full for fullness’ sake. It was teeming with life and laughter. There was happiness and joy. The sound was the endless chatter of classmates and friends. The space and sound were full.

 

That’s the kind of life Jesus said He came to give us: a life filled with His Word, nature, and character. Jesus’ kind of full is not just filled to the top. Just as the noise in the gym didn’t stay contained there, but rather spread out beyond the walls, Jesus gives us life that is full to overflowing. Full is defined as, “exceeding abundantly,” (G4053 - Perissos - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV), n.d.). An abundance is, to be, “²well supplied with something; ³richly supplied, as with resources,” (“Definition of Abundant,” n.d.-b). An abundance is like Scrooge McDuck, from Disney’s Ducktales, swimming in his warehouse of money. Exceeding abundance is like 1 million warehouses of money.

 

God’s not talking about money in John 10:10. This is Christ’s life—the Spirit filling you up, full to overflowing in all the fruit of the Spirit, the promises of God, and in all the blessings, grace, and favor of the Lord. The zŏē life of God is real and genuine. It’s active and vigorous. It’s from God and is devoted to God. It’s the promised portion in this world and is “to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body) and to last forever,” (G2222 - Zōē - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV), n.d.).

 

Every May, my calendar gets really full, just like that gymnasium. Between the kids’ end-of-the-year projects, field trips, and concerts, in addition to Mother’s Day celebrations, birthdays, and miscellaneous end-of-school playdates, I’m not sure if we could pack much more into the month. Every year, I can look at it as overwhelming and dread it or remember the zŏē life of God that’s been given to me and enjoy it.

 

Whether it’s your family’s calendar or a hard season of life, as Christ followers, we have been given the zŏē life of God, not just to carry us through our lives, but to greatly impact the lives of others. Let’s challenge ourselves to walk in the fullness of the life that Christ came to give us.

©Heather Potts 2023

Stand at the Ready

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQmmS7HbhkE

Stand ~ Newsboys

 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:13 NIV

 

This morning, the Lord woke me, first to pray for my own children, then for all children. The theme throughout the prayer was that they would stand:

Stand for the Truth.

Stand on the Truth.

Stand up for each other.

Stand up for righteousness.

Stand up in prayer, humbling themselves only unto the Lord.

Stand firm.

The Lord closed out the prayer by saying, “Let them put on their Armor and Stand at the Ready.” As I pondered, “stand at the ready,” Ephesians 6:13 immediately came to mind. The final word, “stand” means, “to stand ready or prepared,” as well as to be “one who in the midst of the fight hold his position,” (G2476 - Histēmi - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV), n.d.).

 

It’s no coincidence that today is the National Day of Prayer. Today, as you’re praying for our nation and leaders, please also pray for our children. Pray for their protection and the covering of Holy Spirit. Pray that they’d be given a Spirit of wisdom and of revelation. Pray that they’d not be swayed by their peers or by evildoers, but that they’d cling to what is good in God, alone. Pray they’d be godly leaders, following only after Christ. But above all, pray that they’d stand.

 

Father, we lift up all children to You, today. Anoint them with Your Spirit. Help them to stand strong, stand firm, and to stand their ground. Help them to draw a line in the sand and put the devil “on notice,” not allowing him to take any more ground. Then, Lord, sound the charge! Call them to fight for others until they are freed to stand in Your victory! Father, I pray that today would be a game-changer, and that we’d recall this day as the day You called us to Stand at the Ready!

I pray all these things in the mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.

~Heather Potts

*It’s not copyrighted. Please share! Please pray!

Propelled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YttNdAmyyI

Worlds Apart ~ Jars of Clay

 

Enlarge the place of your tent,
    stretch your tent curtains wide,
    do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
    strengthen your stakes.

~ Isaiah 54:2 NIV

 

Have you ever experienced a time when, either during worship or prayer, you prayed a heartfelt cry to God having something to do with making a change? Then afterward, you realized what you just said, and it felt a bit unnerving, because you just surrendered control of your life. I’ve experienced that a handful of times, including the night before last, when Holy Spirit touched my heart and the prayer became, Take my world apart.

 

In the “after, after” moments, when the dust settled and I got to look back at what the Lord had done, both in and through me, I was so glad I was obedient. It’s the middle, the time of stretching and dross-burning, that causes me to be a bit unnerved, now. But the Lord gives us His promises, like Isaiah 54:2, that encourage us to enlarge and stretch what we can imagine, without holding anything back. And Isaiah 43:18-19, that tells us to forget the past—don’t be marked by it any longer—and to see what He is doing and is about to do in our lives. Those are the things that move us.

 

When we can already feel God’s Spirit moving in our hearts and lives, we are compelled to action and respond quickly and obediently to the Lord. I think that’s what emboldened Peter to call out, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water,” (Matthew 14:28 NKJV). It’s what propelled him to jump out of the boat! It’s what propels all of us to jump out of our boats, out of our comfort zones.

 

Then, just like Peter, we find ourselves standing on water…but we don’t know how to walk on water! Before we panic too severely, the Lord promises to carefully watch over us and to tell us where to go, (Psalm 32:8). He challenges us to not be afraid, but to keep pressing forward, knowing He will be with us, wherever we go, (Joshua 1:9).

 

Did I pray a bold prayer when God touched my spirit? Yes! And it’s a bit unnerving. But if I’m going to do the big things God has planned for me, if I want to step into the vision He’s laid before me, then I need to let go of more of this world, and cling solely to Him.

 

If it’s been a while since you prayed a prayer that’s a bit unnerving, I challenge you to do it. Ask God to stretch you, to call you out of your boat and safety zone. Ask Him to lead. Then jump out of your boat and follow Him.

 

“For all the sons and daughters who are walking in the darkness…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dnUx3qVoyg

Tear Down the Walls ~ Hillsong United

©Heather Potts 2023

New Blog Site Coming Soon!

A Recipe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8sazOiolF8

Desert Road ~ Casting Crowns

 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:9 NIV

 

Have I told you my oatmeal cookie story? One day, while baking oatmeal cookies, I learned the difference between baking soda and baking powder. While both are white powders, one gives oatmeal cookies and the other gives oatmeal goo.

 

Lately, God keeps bringing me back to Philippians 4:4-9. Five of the six verses are about your focus and thoughts. I need this constant reminder because my mind continuously tries to wander. It’s remarkable how many “needs” come to mind when I try to have time with God: need to review the budget, need to exercise, need to make tea, need to mail a letter, need to make plans, etc.  The devil knows that just like baking power and baking soda don’t give the same results, neither do a wandering mind and a mind set on Christ. One results in warm goo, while the other in delightful treats.

 

Just to be clear, God designed our minds to be curious. Both Jeremiah 31:13 and Matthew 6:33 call us to seek God. But the devil corrupts what God creates, which is why our minds wander, wonder, and worry when we should be seeking Him.

 

My hope in sharing this is to point you to Jesus, the One who holds our peace. If you need a recipe to help, I’ve been trying to follow this one:

1.       Rejoice always.

a.       Write down what the Lord’s done for you lately.

2.       Let your gentleness shine.

a.       Point others to Jesus.

3.       Be anxious for nothing.

a.       Write down your cares and worries, that way you won’t have to try to remember them anymore.

4.       Walk in God’s peace.

a.       Decide to choose peace over worry.

5.       Choose your thoughts.

a.       Make a list of the virtues found in Philippians 4:8, so that when chaos comes, your thoughts have a place of truth on which to land.

6.       Practice these things, remembering the God of peace will be with you.

 

Father, forgive my wandering, wondering, worrying mind. Holy Spirit, keep this “recipe” in the forefront of my mind, so that insecurity, complaining, doubt, and worry don’t overtake me. I long and love to be used by You. Keep me seeking after and focused on You. And when I mess up, remind me that the God of peace is with me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2023

*New Blog Site and Publication Coming Soon! Keep watching for details!

Answered Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiyQsHKnCvc&list=RDaiyQsHKnCvc&start_radio=1

Blessings Everywhere ~ Elevation Worship

 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… ~ Genesis 50:20 NIV

 

People are naturally curious. Sometimes our curiosity leads us to seek out the answers. Other times, it leads us to demand them, feeling it is our right to know:

Why? That’s not fair! Why this? Why me? Why now? Why!

I have often heard my children sound just like that, as have I to God.

 

Personally, there have been many times my asking – or demanding – has been met with no specific answer, and definitely not when I felt it was timely. But then other times, God has brought a very fast answer to our questions to show us that He is still God and He is for us. The latter has been our experience in our current situation. Sparing the details, God made it very obvious that His hand was all over this, including bringing much needed peace in the middle of the situation.

 

The next time you are facing something you don’t understand, ask God to send you in the direction of His peace. It may not lead to specific answers to your “why,” but at least you’ll know you’re going on His path.

 

Father, I thank you that sometimes you answer us, immediately and specifically. But Lord, I also thank you for the times You simply hold us close to your heart, so that we can rest in Your peace. Hold us today, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

©Heather Potts 2023

He's Your Guard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZNDD2qxJYo

Peace ~ Hillsong Young & Free

 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7 NKJV

 

“My Father in Heaven disciplines me by teaching me His Word. This gives me the power to keep myself calm in the face of temptation and of adversity.”

 

These words, based on Psalm 94:12-13, are from a list of confessions that a friend shared with Brad and I around 2007. After diving deeper into Philippians 4, I have a better appreciation of the truth found in those words: He disciplines me by teaching me His Word…

 

A month ago, I told God that I was tired, emotional, and in need of peace. That’s when Holy Spirit reminded me of Philippians 4:4-7. In the past month, He’s told me to:

1.       Rejoice always – it produces joy.

2.       Let your gentleness shine – it draws others to Jesus.

3.       Be anxious for nothing – leave room for God to move.

And finally: Walk in God’s peace – He’s your guard.

 

Philippians 4:7 states that God’s peace guards our hearts and minds. Our hearts and minds are the seat (core or center) of our will, emotions, thoughts, and actions. We’re told to guard our thoughts and hearts throughout the Bible, because “… as he thinks in his heart, so is he…,” and “… out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks,” (Proverbs 23:7; Luke 6:45 NKJV). However, we are not expected to guard them in our own strength, but by the Lord’s peace.

 

We can trust God’s peace—which goes beyond all understanding in degree, capacity, and amount—because of Who gives it. He is not a lifeless, nameless God. God’s name, here, is Theos, which means “the guardian God of anyone, blessing and protecting him,” (blueletterbible.org).

 

Does it change your view of God to know that He is your guard? I was immediately encouraged and in awe. That revelation was like another stroke on the canvas, like another detail of my picture of God was filled in with color.

 

The promise in Philippians 4:7 helps us to walk in God’s peace, because He’s our guard. In a world where chaos abounds for all, peace does much more abound for those who are in Christ Jesus.

©Heather Potts 2023