What's Worth $200 Million?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ykr17QALNY

All He Says I Am ~ Cody Carnes

 

A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. ~ Proverbs 31:10 AMPC

 

What could you get with roughly $200 million?

 

Here are some options:

·         25,000 sq. ft. mansion ($100 million)

·         "Portrait of the Artist Without Beard" by Vincent Van Gogh ($98.5 million)

·         High-tech 3D roller coaster ($105 million)

·         28 commercial wind turbines ($98 million)

·         13 miles of interstate highway in Florida ($100 million)

·         Hire Tom Cruise for a movie – or for the same amount, hire Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson, and Brad Pitt ($100 million)

 

What did Jesus purchase? My Savannah. Except He paid much more and said she was worth every bit!

 

Proverbs 31:10 says, “A…virtuous woman…is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls,” (AMPC). The going rate for 1 pure carat of rubies is at least $1,000. If I had the same weight in rubies as Savannah weighs in pounds, they would be worth about $200 million. But Proverbs 31:10 emphasizes that we far more valuable than rubies or pearls. Not only are we far more valuable, but God has been thinking about us…since forever!

 

Seriously!

 

2 Timothy 1:9 says, “[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us… [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of… His own purpose and grace… which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],” (AMPC). Ephesians 1:4 further emphasizes this, “Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (AMPC). Did you catch that? God was thinking about you eternal ages ago! I can’t fathom that and Google can’t explain it.

 

Knowing this, why do we—my girls and I included—still doubt our worth? Why do words, spoken by someone other than God still sting? Because we’ve believed lies.

 

It’s time to tell the lies, “No!” It’s time for them to go!

 

When we know—fully believe in our core-being—who you are in Christ, then the words of co-workers, family members, kids on the playground, or lies from your enemy won’t sting. Then, you can boldly say, I am: A Child of the King, Loved, Beautiful, Victorious, Joyful, Transformed, Favored, More than a Conqueror, More Valuable than Rubies, and so much more!

©Heather Potts 2022

Truth or Lies

https://youtu.be/1srs1YoTVzs

Fear is a Liar ~ Zach Williams

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ~ Psalm 91:1 NKJV

There’s a series of books for young readers called, Who Would Win, which matches two animals against each other, shares their strengths and weaknesses, then asks the reader, “Who would win?”. The books are fun to read and the author does a good job of presenting the case for both sides. I wonder, if Truth was matched against lies, who do you think would win? Ultimately, we know that Truth will prevail, but what about in our everyday lives? Do we allow Truth or lies to run our lives?

It occurred to me the other day that I’d recently believed some old lies. Thankfully, I recognized them faster than I had in previous times. The other night, when I sat down with my journal and wrote down all the lies I'd heard, I was shocked to see I had believed seven lies. However, the benefit of writing them in a journal is that I was able to cross out each lie and write a Truth in its place.

John 8:44 says “there is no truth in [the devil]. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it,” (NKJV). Satan's distinguishing nature and personal character traits are pulled from his supply of lies. Jesus counters the devil's lies by reminding us to abide in and dwell with Him. It’s through our time with Jesus that we’ll learn the truth, and only the truth can set us free from the lies we’ve believed, (Psalm 91:1; John 15:4; 8:31-32). 

Reflecting, now, on your life and habits, are you abiding and dwelling with Jesus? Are you positioning yourself to learn, believe, and remember His truths? Or have you taken a vacation from abiding and dwelling? Taking a vacation is easy. Staying disciplined takes effort. But remaining disciplined will save you the grief of letting lies dictate your life and decisions. Based on your current choices, who would win: Truth or lies? 

©Heather Potts 2021

Freedom in Truth

 

The picture in my photo memories shot me back to that day. Though three generations separated them, Savannah had no qualms about peppering Great-Grandpa Hayes with her questions about the items in his house, including the model plane, medals, and pictures in his memorial box. He said the plane was a model of the one he’d fought on during World War II. He proudly told her the first picture was of himself when he’d been in the service as bombardier. But he grew quiet when he explained that the other picture was of his younger brother, Clayton, who never came home.  

My grandpa died without knowing the truth about his brother’s untimely death. Shortly after my grandfather’s passing, we found an article about Pfc. Clayton Hayes. It said that Clayton and his troop helped families carry their belongings back to their war-ravaged homes in Normandy. The article was written in June 1944, just three months before Clayton died as a war-hero.

He never came home. 

More than seven decades separated the event from Savannah’s question, but in a heartbeat, my grandpa was transported back to that moment in time. I think it was the lack of knowing that hurt him more than the actual loss. In John 8, Jesus said it’s knowing the truth that sets us free, (v32). Though Jesus was referring to the truth found only by abiding in His Word, I believe that not knowing physical truths can also hurt us, as our minds work overtime, trying desperately to fill in the gaps. 

Truth. Such a small word, worth so great a weight. 

As you reflect on why we celebrate Memorial Day, remember these two truths: 1) As an American, you have many freedoms, which weren’t free. Many brave soldiers fought for them. All gave some; some gave all. 2) In Christ, alone, we have freedom over sin and death, which is available to all. Though Adam’s sin cost him and us everything, Christ’s act of righteousness cost Him as much as it gave us: everything. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we could enjoy life everlasting, never again to be under the curse of the Law of sin and death, (Romans 5:15-20).

Reflecting on and remembering the truth keeps it fresh in your mind. Today, please do 3 things. 1) Remember the fallen soldiers, whose sacrifices supplied your American freedoms. 2) Thank Jesus for setting you spiritually and eternally free. 3) Ask God to send you someone with whom you can share the truth about freedom. Don’t keep it to yourself. So much healing occurs when truth is shared!

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:31-32 NLT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEtWnF-KR2k

Mercy’s Tree ~ Firma Collective

©Heather Potts 2021

You're Wonderful!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91hHw1YPqxE

Communion ~ Maverick City, feat. Steffany Gretzinger and Brandon Lake

 

And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

 

You’re wonderful! It’s true! I’m not making it up, putting you on, or stretching the truth. You’re also strong, bold, courageous, fierce, and victorious. Have I mentioned that you’re gentle, kind, loving, compassionate, patient, and generous? If that’s not enough, you’re also full of wisdom and knowledge, as well as very creative.

 

It’s all true, regardless of how you act, feel, or look. Perhaps the mirror shows some gray hairs, wrinkles, or extra weight. Though you may feel stressed, overwhelmed, and extremely exhausted, your worst action on your worst day can’t negate this truth.

 

Check it out:

Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; … So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them, (Genesis 1:26-27 AMP).

If you’re thinking that was before sin, let me assure you God had a plan! He buried and then raised us to life with Christ:

In Him you were also circumcised…by the [spiritual] circumcision of Christ…having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God, [as displayed] when He raised Christ from the dead, (Colossians 2:11-12 AMP).

When you are in Christ and a child of God, you “have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self,” (Colossians 3:10 AMP).

 

2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are continually and progressively being transformed into God’s image, from glory to glory. You don’t have to believe me or take my word for it. But I hope you’ll believe what God says about you because it’s true.

 

By the way, I’m fabulous! And so are you!

©Heather Potts 2021

Holy Spirit Eyes

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

Give Me Your Eyes ~ Brandon Heath

 

Love... Always looks for the best... ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4,7 MSG

 

People are messy.

We carry baggage longer than we should, allowing our circumstances to dictate our responses toward others. Weary and wounded, we’re almost daring someone to say something, as if it gives us permission to pounce upon an unsuspecting victim. People are messy.

 

But God is holy. And trustworthy. He is generous and gracious.

 

Some years ago, I started asking God to give me Holy Spirit eyes, so that I could see people and circumstances the way He does. In my early 20’s, as my relationship with Jesus grew, and as I saw other Christians pray boldly—on behalf of myself and others—I believed this was something I could and should ask.

 

Though God honored my request, it didn’t make me perfect. I still get to choose the lens through which I see. When I allow my circumstances to get the better of me, then I will only see people through pain, or frustration and fear. But when I remember that I am a child of God—and not of my circumstances—then I get to see! Having your eyes anointed by Holy Spirit allows you to see the leadership qualities in the boy who’s been fighting with everyone. It allows you to see otherwise hidden beauty. But it also allows you to see pain just below the surface of someone who is hurtful. This gift isn’t for personal gain, but for healing.

 

Being anointed with Holy Spirit eyes, allows you to see truth about others, the way God sees, enabling you to pray or speak life over others, setting them free, (John 8:32). “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news ...” (Isaiah 52:7 NIV). Lord, anoint us with Holy Spirit eyes, that we could speak truth and life over circumstances and others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2020

Think About It

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BThG8egfPNA&list=RDBThG8egfPNA&start_radio=1

Rest on Us ~ Harvest

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~ Philippians 4:8 NLT

The other day, during my dental cleaning, Elizabeth stood right over me. She asked the hygienist tons of questions about what was going on and the tools that were being used. Elizabeth said, “I just want to know.”

There are times we all “just want to know.” God isn’t bothered by our questions, but He is concerned about the direction our thoughts can take us, if we’re not careful. In Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer said, “You need to think about what you’re thinking about.” Philippians 4:8 gives us 8 focal points for our thoughts: things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

When we don’t pay attention to our thoughts, they can wander and tend to settle into negative patterns which are in opposition to Philippians 4:8. Instead of the truth, we begin to dwell on all the things that could go wrong. Instead of what’s honorable, we begin to question the character and decision-making skills of the person who “did this to us.” Instead of praising God for all He has done and will do, we begin to doubt His faithfulness. Your thoughts are the doorway to victory or defeat. You get to decide which path you take. In her book, Switch on Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf said, “As we think, we change the physical nature of our brain. As we consciously direct our thinking, we can wire out toxic patterns of thinking and replace them with healthy thoughts.”

God has given us the power to choose “life and death, blessing and cursing,” (Deuteronomy 30:19). We give power to what we practice. It takes both effort and time to change a pattern. But when you choose life, the effort will definitely be worth your time! Therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

©Heather Potts 2020