Treasured Moments

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWeXVnRm6R8

Light of the World ~ We the Kingdom

 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ~ Luke 2:19 NIV

 

When Savannah was an infant – and our only child – we took tons of pictures, not wanting to miss a single moment. At her first Easter egg hunt, she did something cute – as all little kids do – and I missed getting a picture of it. That’s when her godfather said that I won’t be able to get a picture of everything and that somethings I’d just have to treasure.

 

In our morning devotion time, the girls and I talked about Luke 2:19 and why Mary treasured and pondered the events in her heart. Though we’re excited to celebrate Christmas with family and food, on December 26, Christmas will be over. Then what? Savannah said, “That’s when we play with our presents!” 😊 True, but presents get used up and worn out, and then what? Because Christmas is about more than just presents, there’s more to enjoy than just toys.

 

This year let’s be like Mary and not let the season fly by in a flash and then be gone. Instead, let’s store up special moments with friends and family and ponder the miracle of Jesus in our hearts.

©Heather Potts 2020

Victory

https://youtu.be/yhyVW6sbZeA

Breakthrough ~ Red Rocks Worship 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

Your victory is dependent upon your struggle or need. If the need is freedom from some type of slavery, then victory means liberation, being rescued. If your struggle is using overeating or overspending to compensate for your brokenness, using them as coping mechanisms, then your victory might look like healthy spending and eating habits. If your bondage is medical, then your victory might look like a clear scan or good doctor's report.

We all have battles and struggles. Jesus told us that we would have trouble: pressure, oppression, affliction, tribulation, and distress. But He gave us hope, saying, "Take heart! I have overcome the world! For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4-5 NLT).

Perhaps it feels strange to talk about battles so closely to Christmas. The truth is, the enemy is relentless in his attacks, stopping at and for nothing to destroy your life. He will use everything to his advantage, especially the celebration of Christ's birth. Unfortunately, many people fall into despair during the holidays, believing the lie that they are alone, or worthless, having failed to achieve some goal.

God is mightier than any lie. YOU ARE WORTHY because He made you worthy. You are His and He paid the ultimate price for you, His beloved.

Today, believe that you have the victory in Christ Jesus! He gave you the victory--over sin, over sickness, over addiction, over bondage and brokenness, over depression and anxiety, and over every single lie the enemy has poured on you. It's time to stand up in victory! Let today be the day you begin claiming the victory that is yours in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

©Heather Potts 2019

Defend the Goal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJB64RmJEDE

Rise Up ~ Skillet

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

For fall sports, Savannah played soccer. Though she didn't steal the ball or score any goals, she absolutely loved it! As defender of the goal, however, she excelled! Her mantra as goalie: "Nothing's gonna get past me!" And it didn't!

That should be more than a mantra for us, when it comes to standing firm against the enemy. But if we're honest, we can get distracted and that's when the enemy sends his attacks firing at us. Fortunately, Holy Spirit reminds us to be the defender of our lives and families.

The devil, because he studies us, knows our weaknesses. When he strikes with fear, he goes straight for the jugular. Thankfully, Holy Spirit is always watching out for us and brings stories, friends, and scripture to increase our faith, enabling us to stand up to and stare down the enemy, till he flees.

During the holidays, our routines can change, and we can be off our guard, perhaps complacent with our prayer and Bible study time. We need to remember that the devil doesn't take a holiday, but relishes the fact that we might. For him, that's the perfect opportunity to pounce, creating all sorts of mischief, doubt, fear, and panic in our lives. Matthew 6:33 and James 4:7 say to first seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and to submit ourselves to God's authority, because doing so gives us the ability to stand firm against the devil's attacks.

As Christmas draws nearer and you're enjoying many fun activities, be sure to not get distracted. Through prayer and Bible study, keep up the defense and tell the devil, "Nothing's gonna to get past me!"

©Heather Potts 2019

My Expectation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45XfhE5DI_k&list=RD45XfhE5DI_k&start_radio=1&t=0

The Prayer ~ Danny Gokey & Natalie Grant

Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation…My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. ~ Psalms 62:1, 5 NKJV

It wasn't on the bookshelf or on the dresser. Disappointment set in when I couldn't find my camera, which I wanted for the girls' Christmas concert. Our phones, for all their "smartness," can't see anything but the glare of stage lights.

"Skating with Santa" had been on the calendar for weeks. Hours before, however, I realized Brad wasn't coming with us. Though it wasn't his fault, I was disappointed when, due to an allergic reaction, Brad needed to stay home.

Have you ever felt disappointed? Sure, you have; it's part of human nature. Disappointment occurs when expectations aren't met. I expected to find my camera and for the four of us to go skating, together. When those things didn't happen, I had unmet expectations. In the grand scheme, these are little things, but, when not addressed, they can become huge problems.

Psalm 62:1 shares the trusting and restful condition of my soul, while Psalm 62:5 is a statement to my soul, to rest and wait on the Lord. With the Christmas season in full swing, what is the condition of your soul? Are you full of trust, rest, and peace, or are you in need of a good measure? If you're in need, you're not alone. Many of us get caught up in expectations, typically regarding others, and are disappointed because we looked to the wrong things.

It's time to shift our focus. We can't expect people and things to fill us. Instead, we must place our expectations on Jesus and focus on the wonderful, beautiful miracle we celebrate this time, each year. When our expectations are in and from Him, they'll never be unmet.

©Heather Potts 2019

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

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     

Broken Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6TvjlBK95Y&feature=youtu.be

When Hope Came Down ~ Kari Jobe

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NASB

The YMCA pool schedule showed that the indoor waterslide would be open Saturday night. Our girls love the waterslide! After dinner, we'd take the girls to the pool and invite someone to meet us there. It was all settled. But by the time we'd arrived at the Y, things weren't working out as planned. One person wasn't feeling like swimming and another didn't bring their swimsuit. My perfect plan was falling apart. How can we make this all come together?

And then I saw it: a sign. Many people ask for a sign from God. He sent me a 4'x3' easel that said "Family Night. Members Free." As the others in our group discussed what fun and low-cost things we could do, I asked the lady at check-in what activities at Family Night would be age-appropriate for my girls. Of the things she listed, ice skating and bounce house grabbed my attention. I proposed my idea to our group and we decided to go ice skating and then head to the bounce house. We had a FANTASTIC TIME!  I'm not sure who had the most fun. There were 10-gallon buckets to support the weight of the little kids. They were too short for Savannah, who opted to cling to the wall, but Elizabeth was a speed-racer with those buckets. I surprised myself by, not only remaining on my feet but also, really enjoying myself. We had the greatest time! We even got to ice skate and have our picture taken with Santa.

Later at home, I realized that even when my plans fail, God never does. And just maybe He allowed my plans to falter because His plans are far better than what I could have imagined. It's not that God is hiding something from me. Rather, He's teaching me to trust Him, and His plans, regardless of the circumstances. I did, however, appreciate and find the humor in how He used our pastor's message at Christmas Eve service to reiterate His point. 

Today, as we celebrate Christmas, regardless of the plans we've made, don't let the burned rolls, under-cooked pies, or even the fact that the kids are more interested in the boxes than the expensive toys get you down or flustered. Instead, remember to take it all in and enjoy the moments you have with those who are near and dear.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

©Heather Potts 2017

Reflect

Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God goes with you… ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

If you write Christmas cards or letters, then it’s likely you spend some time during this season reflecting on the past year. Perhaps you write to your friends and family about all your achievements. Maybe, like us, you find all the funny moments and quotes, the most recent of which was Elizabeth (age 3) who, upon spotting Mr. & Mrs. Claus shouted, “Look! It’s Santa and his momma!”

Reflect. It’s both a mirror and meditation. When we spend time in the Lord’s presence, we reflect His glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18). And we’re promised that we’ll be prosperous and successful when we meditate on His Word day and night, (Joshua 1:8). As this year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the words and promises He’s given me, most especially what He said in January: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV). At the time, I thought “God goes” meant “God was and would remain” with me. I didn’t really think we’d be “going” anywhere. But we did. And He did. Every step. Every mile. Every minute. Every day.

What about you? What has God said and promised to you? Was He as literal with you as He was with me? I encourage you to end this year meditating on His Word, on the words He’s spoken into your heart, the ones you’ve written in your journal, and see what He still reveals about them.

Father, as the world turns their eyes in the direction of the brilliant lights of Christmas, let them see Your light reflected in us. Thank you, that as we meditate on Your Word, we are transformed in Your likeness and image. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

2,996

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? ~ Matthew 18:12 NIV

Last night, Brad and I were talking about how Jesus was willing to leave the 99 to seek and save the 1. As we talked, the conversation shifted to personal reflection for Brad and how he never wanted to lose sight of the 99, or in his case, 2,996. If you haven’t heard the story, my husband was working across the street from where President Bush’s plane was in Sarasota, FL on 9/11/01. As 2,996 people were dying, the Lord was still knocking on the door to my husband’s heart. And on that day, scared and hiding in an office, my husband finally responded to the knocking and invited the Savior in, giving his life to Christ.

Even though it’s been 15 years, that story never gets old and always brings me tears of joy! As Brad and I continued to talk about it last night, his prayer and heart’s desire is that he would never lose sight of the 2,996 so that he’d always remember to give as much emphasis to the 1, as Jesus did for him.

How poetic, that we’d be having that conversation just a week before we celebrate the day that our Savior first came into this world and gave us the opportunity to invite Him into our hearts and lives. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s also not lose sight of the 1 who does not yet know Jesus. Let’s be in prayer that we’d continue to shine His light and love this Christmas season, so that those who’ve not yet opened the door will invite the Savior into their hearts and lives.

Father, my prayer this Christmas season is that those who’ve only ever celebrated the Season, will come to know, worship, and celebrate the Reason. Father, let me be a light for the 1. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2016

Leaning Trees

…lean not on your own understanding ~ Proverbs 3:5 NIV

We received this amazing gift for Christmas: a Christmas tree.  Maybe it seems silly to you, but two years ago, when Savannah was 5 months old, our Christmas tree died.  Well, we assumed we’d just buy a new one the following Christmas.  But Brad had just barely started working that following Christmas, so we couldn’t afford one.  We did our best to decorate using our other decorations, but it just seemed empty without the tree.  This year, we really wanted a tree, but they were out of our budget.  At my Mom’s group, our leader asked if everyone was ready for Christmas and I just started to cry.  I told the other moms that we couldn’t afford a tree and I knew it was just material and no, that’s not what Christmas was all about, but it just didn’t feel like Christmas.  So my leader looked at me and said, “Then we’ll pray and ask God to send you a tree.”  I told her it was silly, but she insisted that we pray for God to send me a tree.  Later that day, my leader called me and said someone was getting rid of a Christmas tree & would I still like it.  I said yes and the next day she delivered a 7.5’ beautiful Christmas tree.  The tree is perfect, even as it leans. 

To some, my leaning tree may seem like an annoying defect, but I view it as beautiful.  Our pastor said something the other day that reminded me of my leaning tree.  He said that no one ever came to Christ by attending church, but by leaning in to God and the Holy Spirit, by leaning in as they saw others doing.  The NIV version of Proverbs 3:5 says we should not lean on what we know, perceive, or understand.  The AMP version tells us what we should lean on:  “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind…”  Just like my Christmas tree leans in order to stand, we need to be leaning trees: leaning on the insight of the Holy Spirit so that we will be able to stand.

Father, thank you for Christmas trees, for beautiful decorations that remind us of Your light and beauty.  Lord, I pray that we would be leaning trees, leaning in to Your Spirit to hear all that You have to say to us.  In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2014