The Window

One day, in heaven, an angel spotted God and Jesus looking through an open window. On the other side of the window was a girl. The angel paused for a moment and saw the girl pass by the window several times, only glancing at it, but never stopping. Curious, the angel approached God. God, calling the angel by name, invited him over to join them. God explained that this was a window they’d opened for the girl and had invited her to climb through to experience the joy and blessings on the other side. Before the angel could ask why she hadn’t climbed through, Jesus explained the situation:

    “She’s afraid. As you know, Satan taunts humans, speaking lies to them all day and all night. This girl has been lied to for so long in her life about what she can’t do, will never amount to, and would fail if she ever tried, that she’s become quite cautious.”

The angel asked if the girl was a Child, if her name was in the Book of Life.

Proudly, Jesus said, “Yes.”

At his answer, the angel was even more confused and asked why she wouldn’t come through the window. Afterall, He could see Holy Spirit was with her, on the other side.

    Again, Jesus explained, “Humans have to decide whose voice they will give more credit to, which one they will spend more time hearing. Too often, they shed their spiritual armor at night, sleeping without their helmets. This allows the devil the opportunity to lie to them in their dreams. Then, in the morning, they forget to put back on their armor. Sadly, even if they remember to put it all on, they forget to swing their Swords while bracing against the Shield for protection. Too many humans fight pointless battles with other humans, forgetting they are truly at war with a real, powerful spiritual realm. Because of that, when the enemy lies to them, they don’t know how to wield their weapons to protect themselves and advance the charge that We’ve set forth for them.”

The angel looked back at the girl. “What about her?”

    Again, Jesus smiled at her, then said, “She’s been swinging and standing and fighting.”

    “But then why is she hesitant to climb through Your open window?” the angel asked.

    Jesus looked at her, even as He answered the angel, “Because she’s still in training. She’s still practicing hearing Our voice and shutting out the lies. She’s leaning in; every day she comes closer. Though she’s hesitant, she’s learning to see through the visions Holy Spirit opens to her. She’s beginning to see through the window, even if she hasn’t yet climbed through to the calling that awaits. But don’t give up; just keep watching with us.”

This short story is a reminder that we have been called to a purpose, higher than just making a living on earth before we die. Ephesians 2:10 says God created us in Christ Jesus for the good works He prepared in advance for us to do, laying out the paths and “opening the windows” He would have us go through and take. But we have a real enemy who hates God and all who would be used by Him, (that’s us). Therefore, the devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us. He lies to us, hoping we’ll forget we’re in a battle that requires spiritual armor, to not only protect ourselves, but to win and claim territory for God’s Kingdom.

Don’t face this battle lying down. Remember, your enemy lives in the spiritual realm. Though he loves to use your boss, spouse, kids, and neighbors, they aren’t your true enemy. Don’t waste your time fighting them. It’s time to fight to win! Decide today to lean in and listen to the voice of Truth, to take territory for Jesus, and to walk the paths God laid out for us, so we can reach the people who are waiting to hear about and from God.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  ~ Ephesians 6:10-11 AMP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4KEgwLDLHw

Don’t Tred on Me ~ We the Kingdom

©Heather Potts 2021

Was It Just a Bad Day?

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. ~ Ephesians 6:12 AMP

Ever had a bad day? While it wasn’t a horrible day, it still stressed you out as a nagging voice in your mind questioned your decisions from the day, causing you to second-guess yourself. Then, on your way home, your car died twice, in sub-zero weather no less. When you finally made it home, the dishes were piled up in the sink and you still needed to make dinner but didn’t even know where to begin.

 

It could have been a bad day, but it’s too conveniently coincidental that it all happened the same day as your church group. Your "bad day" was likely a highly planned and executed attack by the enemy who’s determined to thwart everything God has planned for you. The struggles were merely part of the devil’s strategically timed plan to keep your thoughts fixed on the hiccups of the day, rather than on the truths God wants to reveal at your church group. 

 

Friend, the battle is real! I know, because the devil is real and so are his plans, which include stealing from, killing, and destroying you! Please don't take this lying down. It’s time to get on your feet and praise God! Or on your knees in prayer! Not just for yourself, but for your family, your friends, your co-workers, your pastors, those in leadership, and all who have been called by God to impact this world.

 

The devil is out for blood – yours and mine! But we are not defenseless. God has given us mighty tools, strong armor, and a battle plan to not just stand up against the devil, but to also defeat him. As Ephesians 6:13-18 lay out, we’re to armor-up, stand firm, and hold our ground! Standing firm doesn’t mean standing still. Standing firm means not letting the devil turn this fight on people. It’s taking our thoughts captive to win the battle in our minds. And it’s declaring you’ll be taking back lives, minds, and territory in Jesus’ Name!

 

The next time the devil tries to convince you to go to bed after a “bad day”, tighten your belt, plant your feet, pick up your sword and shield, and determine to stand firm and not quit!

©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

Take Your Stand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuS9T3yXPWo

I Will Not be Moved ~ Natalie Grant

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ~ Ephesians 6:11 NIV

Yesterday tried to knock me down. Some events happened which were reminiscent of a battle we fought years ago. But God, who is ever faithful, held us, then. He pulled us to our feet, again (literally), and set us on solid ground. Yesterday, I told the devil that I wasn’t doing that, again, that I would not lose!

Perhaps you think me too bold or too naïve to dare say those things, even to the devil. But why should I cower? I am a warrior facing a battle. I know my Victor. I see Him standing with me. I hear the battle cry throughout scripture:

When you go to war against your enemies and see…an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them… “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” ~ Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” …Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire… ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power... 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 6:10, 13 NIV

In the face of battle, our enemy is fierce. He comes strong against us because he sees the threat we are when we stand strong in the Lord. He fears us and the generations to follow. Today, if you are facing a battle like we are, remember Who is on your side. Our victory is in the Lord and He’s calling us to take our stand!

©Heather Potts 2020