In the Midst

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWsa2mkzhiQ&list=RDBWsa2mkzhiQ&start_radio=1&t=0

Awake My Soul ~ Hillsong

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ~ John 10:27 NKJV

I remember when I first began cultivating my relationship with God. I read a book in which the author said the only way to hear from God was when we were quiet. Wanting to hear from God, I sat in our spare bedroom, quiet, straining to hear, but all I heard were the noises our house made. Frustrated to tears, I called a good friend and leader who said that my relationship with God is as unique as I am and He’ll speak to me when and how He chooses, in ways and at times that I will know it’s Him.

After hearing her words, I relaxed. Then, just as she said, I began hearing from God at all different times: in the shower, in the car while rushing to work, during prayer, while jogging, but most often during worship. Whether on my knees or bouncing with my hands lifted high, it was when my heart was completely focused on Him that I heard my God speaking to me. I believe that was the author’s intention when I read, years ago, that I had to be quiet to hear God. He was saying to get our focus off everything else and focus only on God. When we purpose to align our hearts and minds on God, it’s amazing how much easier we’ll hear.

Whatever you’re facing today—whatever challenges or circumstances—take some time to purposefully focus on God. He may not speak to you right away, but in the midst of life and circumstances, He’ll speak.

©Heather Potts 2020

Cry, "HELP!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2_ttKZUuxw

Hundred Miles ~ Passion (ft. Crowder)

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Hebrews 4:16 AMPC

At the beach the other day, Elizabeth cried, “Shark!” but no one responded, because we were in Wisconsin. Had it been a Florida beach, there would’ve been a panicked response. However, whether in Florida or Wisconsin, you’d better not cry, “Help!” unless you really need it.

With all that’s gone on this year, just about everyone has been on high alert. Whether it’s the President, the schoolboard, or the news, when a major event is reported, everyone listens. But everyone’s attention doesn’t create the change we’re all wanting. Recently, I saw a post on social media that is a call to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. The sad part is that it convinces people their voice will only truly matter this coming November. But that’s not been true for at least 2,000 years.

Bold: without hesitation or fear; courageous and daring

Fearless: without fear; bold or brave

Confident: having full assurance; excessively bold

God’s Word says we are His kids and heirs, which bring with it the full eligibility to cry out, “Abba! Father,” and expect God to answer us, just as He answered Jesus, (Galatians 4:1-7). Is someone sick? Cry to God for help and healing! Is someone in trouble? Cry to God for help and intervention! Is someone in need? Cry to God for help and provision! Are you getting the picture? God has the help and it’s our privilege and responsibility to call to Him for help.

James 5:16 says the fervent prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. Fervent: passionate intensity. Righteous: Right standing with God. If you, as His son or daughter, are in right-standing with your Father, then you are expected to boldly, fearlessly, and confidently ask for God’s help, and expect and allow Him to fulfill your requests in His timing and way. You don’t need to wait for another invitation. Ask for His help, today.

©Heather Potts 2020

Just Passing Through

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkHo70DeiMM

Yes and Amen ~ Patt Barrett | Bethel Music & Housefire

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings. They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]; each of them appears before God in Zion. ~ Psalm 84:5-7 AMPC

I’ve been studying Psalm 84:5-7 for a while. Though I picked it apart, Holy Spirit had something more to reveal before letting me advance. Beth Moore’s The Quest said we—Christ followers—should journey like those who have a specific destination [the highways to Zion]. But the enemy doesn’t want us to reach our destination. He especially doesn’t want us to bring others along, so he sends multiple distractions, hoping to turn the purposeful into the wandering. Ephesians 4:14 describes wandering Christians as “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” The wandering may reach their destination, but they waste a lot of time, allowing distractions—both good and bad—to carry them far from the path. But upon finding their way back, the Lord draws them “from strength to strength” until they make it home, (Psalm 84:7).

God sent us on this journey, so we’ll influence others—family, neighbors, co-workers—who are already watching us. They’re watching, because they’ve heard of how God walked with us through the hard times [Valley of Weeping], and then turned our “mourning into dancing,” (Psalm 84:6; Psalm 30:11). After passing through the valleys, we’re able to look back and see how God has increased our faith and drawn us closer to His side. Others see it, too, and are drawn to it, like a sweet fragrance. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says we—Christ followers—are the fragrance of Christ and God uses our lives to spread His fragrance everywhere.

When others question your hope, peace, and joy while the rest of the world is in chaos and disarray, with bold confidence, you can say, “This world isn’t my home. I’m just passing through – would you like to come along?”

©Heather Potts 2020