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

Be Still

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

Into the Sea (It’s Gonna be OK) ~ Tasha Layton

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

~ Psalm 46:10 NKJV

I got halfway through writing this piece, as prompted by Holy Spirit, and realized I hadn’t yet laid the groundwork for the most important part of this verse. “Be still” is the command given by God to “leave off” or “desert” our plans. We are to do so in light who He is because He is God. But what does that mean?

I did a devotional time with my girls, yesterday, and asked them that question: Who is God? Here’s the list they came up with:

·         Our Creator

·         Our Friend

·         Our Powerful Defender

·         Our Love

·         Our Daddy (I smiled at this one)

·         Our Shield and Very Great Reward

·         Our Wise God

·         All Knowing

·         All Powerful

It’s hard to walk away from something, especially when we think we’re right in our decision or when it’s something we really want. But when we know and trust the One who’s asked us to go another route, is there really any other choice?

Lord, when what I think and what I want don’t go with what You ask of me, help me to be still and know that You are God.

©Heather Potts 2021

Reflect pt 2

You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. ~ 2 Samuel 22:36 NLT

As this year draws closer to an end, I’m also reflecting on the promise God gave me just before Thanksgiving, in 2 Samuel 22:36. As I mulled over those words, I remembered a teaching by Judah Smith about Genesis 15:1-6. In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abram, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward,” (NKJV). After researching the link between the two scriptures, I discovered shield means defense, covering, and protection. At the time I wondered, What do I need protection from or a defense against? But God also said He was my victory, His help made me great, and He was my exceedingly great reward.

I’d like to say that when God told us to move, we strapped on our faith, moved, and have done nothing but smile ever since. But then I’d be lying. I’ve actually been whining a lot. WHY has come out of my mouth so much, I’m afraid God will offer me some cheese to go with my whining, but since I’m in the dairy state, it all works. But it reminded me of Judah Smith’s message, because that’s exactly what Abram did. After God told Abram that He was Abram’s great reward, Abram whined that he didn’t have an heir, and if God could come look at his circumstances, He’d see the truth.

Isn’t it funny how we all get like that. God brings us through the craziest circumstances, using the greatest miracles, but we get knocked off guard and all we can say to God is, “Look! Look at my circumstances.” But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, pulls us out of our tents (out of our small perspectives), aims us heavenward, and says, “Look now,” (Genesis 15:5).

Today, we got knocked down pretty hard; it really shook us. But in my tiny perspective, surrounded by my woes, God called to me. He aimed me heavenward, opened my ears, and spoke to my heart. He reminded me there is nothing that I have that He needs, because He owns it all, and sent His Son to share it all with me, His beloved daughter.

What need do you have? What circumstances are sucking up all your energy, drawing your perspective to a small focal point? As this year draws to a close, open your heart and mind to your Father. He longs to point you heavenward, saying, “Look now,” at all He has and wants to give to you, His beloved child.

©Heather Potts 2017