It's a New Year

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

Because He Lives ~ David Crowder Band

 

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ~ Romans 11:33 NIV

 

It’s New Year’s Day, and many will pause to reflect on all that the Lord has done for them in the past year, receiving encouragement for the future. When the girls and I reviewed all our prayer cards, we were encouraged at how many prayers the Lord had answered. We saw the faithfulness of the Lord in all He’d done. How much more will we fall in love with Him as we review the wonder of the Lord?

 

I love that the Lord is both unsearchable and can be found by those who seek Him, (Romans 11:33; Jeremiah 29:13). I am surprised by the voice of His thunder in the whirlwind and His choosing to speak to us in a still, small voice, (Psalm 77:18; 1 Kings 19:12). I have found that there are seasons the Lord calls us to be strong and courageous, promising to walk with us—to be with us wherever we go. And then there are seasons the Lord says to stand firm and see how He will deliver us, (Joshua 1:9; Exodus 14:13). Of the many aspects of the Lord, I think Paul nailed it in Romans 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Isaiah 55:8-9 agrees, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,’” (NIV). 

 

Before we venture too far into this new year, take a moment to pause, reflecting on all the Lord has done and the prayers He’s answered. Then, as you move forward, dig into His Word, and uncover the mystery of His ways. I pray that as you seek after the Lord this year, you’ll stand in awe of Him, falling in love with the Lord, as He reveals the richness and fullness of His love for you.

©Heather Potts 2023

Today's Bread

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xvCY0_vaDA

When I Lock Eyes with You ~ UPPERROOM and Maverick City Music

 

Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually]. ~ John 6:35 AMP

 

If you’ve ever fasted, then you know how something as simple as bread can look like a gourmet meal. About 12 years ago, I asked God for something big, so He asked me to give up something big: not eat after 5pm for the next 21 days. The first week, I was SO hungry! By the second week, however, I realized that to “make it through the night,” I needed to eat my carbs by lunch and only eat protein in the afternoon. By the third week, the only thing I was “worried” about was keeping up the intense feasting on God’s Word, when I returned to eating dinners. Unfortunately, by week 2 post fast, my routine returned to “normal,” as did my studies.

 

This year has been a lot like that fast. When we heard the news that we weren’t going back to life and school “as normal,” it was hard on all of us. That’s when I started digging deeper into God’s Word. But when our schedules relaxed for the summer, so did my studies. It was sometime later that Holy Spirit grabbed my attention, saying, “You can’t live on yesterday’s Bread.” Just as yesterday’s or last week’s physical food won’t sustain you very long, neither will yesterday’s or last week’s spiritual food.

 

Everyday, the devil is watching and waiting for us to be weak enough to use for his advantages. When he sees we’re physically—and especially spiritually—weaker, he’ll pounce and try to devour us. As children of the living God, we’re called to be alert and withstand the devil’s schemes. That’s much easier to do when we’re physically and spiritually strong.

 

As we exit 2020, let’s take with us the truths we’ve received and leave the rest behind. For the new year, plan, each day, to feast on the Bread that gives and sustains life, to help us face whatever challenges may lie ahead.

©Heather Potts 2020

New Year Blessings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKaXY4IdZ40

When You Believe ~ Whitney Houston ft. Mariah Carey

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 ESV

I took some time, yesterday, to review 2018 and realized that as hard as the year was, God's blessings were as numerous, and His promises stronger. I won't take you through our whole year, but I hope this one story touches you.

Sunday, December 30th started out as any other. After the church service, we ran into Elizabeth’s 4K teacher and asked her to keep an eye on Elizabeth. We’ve been concerned that our “new schedule” will take a toll on the girls. Brad’s new job begins at 5am. With having only one car, the girls and I have been getting up at 4:40am to drive him there. For the first few days, the girls went back to sleep for 60-90 minutes before having to get up for school. But the last day, no one went back to sleep. Elizabeth’s teacher promised to let us know.

After getting the girls, we went to get our coats, but Brad stopped to chat with someone. I got the coats and waited as he finished. After a few minutes, Brad and the other man made their way to where I was waiting. Brad looked at the other man and said, “Tell my wife what you just told me.” The man said, “I have a truck and I’ve been praying for God to show me who to give it to. I heard you had a need and wanted to give you my truck.”

Who says that! How did he know?

Brad and I both cried in the church foyer! The man said he and his family are leaving to be missionaries and we could pay him—if we wanted and could afford it—or not. As it turns out, I received a year-end bonus and had been praying about how God wanted us to use it. It certainly wasn’t enough for a new car. But with God, nothing is impossible!

Of all the promises God gave me in 2018, this one stands out: This is God’s year to act! (Luke 4:19 MSG). I pray that your 2019 is filled with blessings more numerous and promises stronger than any challenge you may face.

©Heather Potts 2019