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

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!

Keep Standing pt. 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gs3fg_WsEg&list=RD_Gs3fg_WsEg&start_radio=1

Dancing in the Minefields ~ Andrew Peterson

 

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” ~ Matthew 15:25 NKJV

 

I am equally blessed and amazed that God has walked us through 18 years of marriage. I remember when I wasn’t sure that we’d survive the first 5 years. Neither the world nor our church set us up for success. Though our church wasn’t purposefully setting us up for failure, our premarital counseling went something like this, “You want to get married? Great!” There was no talk about covenant or roles or anything. We were left to figure it out on our own, which caused us both to fail, a lot! Thankfully, God walked us through many seasons—both painful valleys and refreshing mountain-top victories. It’s been in the hard seasons, especially, that we’ve had to rely on Jesus and the covenant promise we made with Him.

 

We really struggled in the infant/toddler years of our marriage. One day, as I was walking and praying, I literally cried out to God, “I will have nothing less than Your very best for me and this marriage!” Was I bold in saying it? Yes! Was I off-base in expecting it from God? No!

 

Matthew 15:22-28 tells the story of a woman who did the same thing. At first, Jesus didn’t respond to the woman’s request to heal her daughter. He even called the woman a dog, (v.26). But even that didn’t cause her to quit. In fact, it was her faith and perseverance that caused Jesus to respond to her. The woman refused to quit! She refused to accept anything less than healing for her daughter and she knew that Jesus could do it. Because of her perseverance Jesus said, “’Woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was cured from that moment,” (v.28). Even now, I am encouraged and humbled to pray with the woman’s boldness.

 

Sadly, over the past 15 years, the divorce rate has remained at about 50%, with most divorces happening either within the first 10 years, or years later, when the adults become empty-nesters. Remember, it’s not the length of our marriage or having children living at home that determines the success of our marriage. It’s our determination to stand, and keep standing, on our vows.

 

Whether your marriage is in a good, solid season, or has hit some dips and valleys, I encourage you to pray for your marriage and refuse to quit until Jesus answers you. Lord, protect our marriages. Keep us bold in praying for our marriages and families. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2022

Unworthiness, Pride, and Reputation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeL9mKnd38g

Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) ~ Phil Wickham & Chandler Moore

 

When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. ~ Hebrew 6:17-18 MSG

 

Recently, I realized I’ve been battling the lie of unworthiness. Though I know my promises, (I am a child of God, forgiven, called by name, etc.), I sometimes struggle to walk in the empowerment of them. On most days, I am fine. But when the enemy challenges my worthiness in my calling—like now, when I’ve been called to lead a women’s Bible study—I more easily question, “Who am I?” Ironically, the other side of that coin is pride. Because if I am worthy and I can do it, then the common denominator is I, which is a very dangerous place. And though I am realizing this, it’s not a new battle; not even for me.

 

I have always loved writing, even when I was younger—before we had a home computer. As I grew older and as my relationship with God grew, I wanted Him to use my writing. Then, one day, God said He would, and He called me to start writing for Him. Suddenly, I was afraid and felt unworthy of the calling. “Who am I to share with others? They won’t want to read what I write. I am nobody important. Who am I?” Then God shared His most profound promise with me, one that has shaped how I write, lead small groups, and even pray. He said, “It’s not about you. It’s not your reputation on the line; it’s Mine!”

 

Sometime after that, Lisa Bevere was a guest speaker at our church. I didn’t know who she was at the time. I’d never heard of her. If I remember correctly, her message was on our calling in Christ. I realized God was speaking to me when she read this portion of scripture, “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it all the way, putting his own reputation on the line,” (Hebrews 6:13 MSG). In that moment, in that auditorium, God confirmed His promise to me, that it's not about me. It’s wonderful, because if it’s not about me, then it can be all about Him, which should be the point and focus of all that we do.

 

The Bible says that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Don’t let the devil intimidate you with fear and get you to back down from your calling. For one, you’ll miss out on the blessings God has for you in obedience. And for two, not following through makes it all about you and no longer about God.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

©Heather Potts 2022

Promised Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPO3meEuU24&list=RDsPO3meEuU24&start_radio=1&t=0

Promises ~ Sanctus Real

For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift.  So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. ~ John 3:16 TPT
https://www.bible.com/verse-of-the-day/JHN.3.16/2929?version=1849

This scripture has always been in my heart. I'm sure it's because it's the first one I memorized in Sunday School as a child. It's a verse most Christians know. It's the reason we can call ourselves Christ-followers, but also the greatest promise as one. Eternal life. Life everlasting. These are the words of the promise of hope.

When do we need hope? Everyday! When we watch the news, when life is hard, and when heaven receives another loved one. The night before last, heaven received Brad's grandma. She was a sweet lady who will be missed on earth. And as we grieve and mourn the loss, we can also cling to the promised hope.

Father, I won't lie, loss hurts! It hurts because the one loved-one is gone, but also because it reminds us of those we lost previously. But even as I type these words, Holy Spirit reminds me they are not lost, but found, and held up in His love. Thank you, Father, for loving us so much, that You gave us the promise of hope through Your Son. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen. 

©Heather Potts 2019

Everlasting

https://youtu.be/LqBpifDpNKc

Oh Praise the Name ~ Hillsong 

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. [Deut. 7:8.] ~ Jeremiah 31:3 AMPC

What a great image for today. It perfectly wraps up the journey we’ve been on, the decisions being made, and our focus on God’s promises for the future. This scripture is another promise from God, much needed today, that He WILL CONTINUE His faithfulness. It doesn't stop just because there is loss and pain. And the loss isn't a sign of anything other than we live in a fallen world.

I hope that whatever you might be going through or facing today, that God's promises fill you with hope, peace, confidence, and joy.

Thank you, Father, for Your promises. Thank you for being for me, in this moment, exactly what I need! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

~Heather Potts~

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

Not One

Blessed be God, who has given peace to his people Israel just as he said he’d do. Not one of all those good and wonderful words that he spoke through Moses has misfired. May God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as he was with our ancestors—may he never give up and walk out on us. May he keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors. ~ 1 Kings 8:56-58 MSG

I love that when I’ve come to the end of what I know, there is God, and entering His presence through worship always opens my eyes. Last night, as I was worshiping, I felt Holy Spirit highlight, “I am defined by all His promises / Shaped by every word He says,” from I Am No Victim by Kristene DiMarco. Thinking of God’s promises, I was reminded of a time we sought counsel from some of our leaders who recounted their own story of hardship. The husband said he sat in his chair and confessed God’s promises, to spite the devil, knowing that God would stand by His promises. And had since come through on many of those promises. Then I went to my list of confessions and found the promises God spoke to me:

God did not give me a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given me a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control], (2 Timothy 1:7)

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, (2 Timothy 3:16)

I am strong in the Lord [and will draw my strength from Him and be empowered through my union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might (Ephesians 6:10)

I hold the 5-fold nature of the Holy Spirit: gentle and quiet, purity, positive attitude, patient, and gracious, (1 Peter 3:2, 4; 1 Tim 4:12)

I am the guardian of our home, creating a safe, healthy, joyful, and creative environment for my family to grow and love and learn (Titus 2:4; Proverbs 31)

As we teach our children about Father God and His Word, it will stimulate, penetrate, teach and be impressed diligently upon their hearts and minds, (Deuteronomy 6:7)

No matter what the circumstance I have the mind of Christ and operate in His wisdom and ability (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, (Hebrews 12:1-2)

If you’re struggling with or in need of something today, run to your Father and ask Him what His promises are for you. Rest assured that not one has failed.

©Heather Potts 2017