One Blessing After Another

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

Jericho Song ~ Rend Co. Kids

For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. ~ John 1:16 AMP

When I sat down in church, yesterday, I could feel the weight of the burdens I’d been carrying. As worship began, I sank to my knees, feeling too heavy to stand. But as the band sang, everything around me disappeared, and I was in the presence of my Father. As His song ministered to me, the rush of His love dispelled the burdens and replaced them with His joy. Then, not only could I stand, I danced!

After church, I was handed an envelope. I opened it before driving home. I was so excited to see who had left me a card! It was filled with quotes about how God uses lessons and struggles to bless us, but also blesses us because He loves us. It was signed only “from a lady at RVC.”

The card, along with a gift card, also included John 1:16: From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.

Favor upon favor. Spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing. Gift heaped upon gift.

These promises from God aren’t necessarily material. Just as I’d already experienced, out of God’s fullness—full to overflowing—we have all received grace upon grace. As I sat, marveling at this wonderful gift, I wondered who’d left it for me. After thinking of some possibilities, I finally realized it was given, through a woman, from God to me: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights… (James 1:17 NKJV).

If your life feels heavy, then today’s a good day to hit the floor in worship of your God. And if life is overflowing with His goodness, then today is a great day to dance in worship of your God. Regardless of your circumstances, remember Who is on your side! It’s out of His fullness that we’ve all received one blessing after another.

©Heather Potts 2020

Clothed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka-mF-1HwF4

Edge of Heaven ~ River Valley Worship

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.

~ Proverbs 31:25 NLT

While reviewing the material of a women’s group I’m leading, Holy Spirit said to include Proverbs 31:25. Even writing the word, “clothed,” reminded me of the characteristics we’re to “put on” in the New Testament. We’re to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, and love, which binds all other virtues together in perfect unity, (Colossians 3:12,14).

But we’re not just supposed to put on the characteristics of Christ, we’re also to put on Christ, (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). Putting on Christ is not like an outfit we wear and then throw in the dirty laundry. Putting on our Lord and Savior is to be fully immersed in Him. John portrayed it perfectly when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” (John 3:30 NKJV). When Colossians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:24 reference putting off the old self to put on the new one, these aren’t swatches we trade out when the mood suits us. No. It’s the purposeful decision to rid ourselves of our sins, shame, and worldly desires, and to be fully enveloped, immersed, and clothed in the fullness of Christ.

Christ then becomes both your new identity, as well as the armor you wear. This armor is used to not only put to death worldly desires, but also empowers you to stand firm when the enemy roars, trying to knock you down and devour you. But you, dear child of the Most High, having been fully immersed in Christ, have been clothed in strength and dignity.

Do no fear the future, dear child. Instead, let the weight of it melt away in peals of laughter, as your Father delights in you, His child.

©Heather Potts 2020

The Secret Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTHS4W1bPj8&list=RDGMEMMib4QpREwENw3_jAc0YgNwVMHTHS4W1bPj8&start_radio=1

Run to the Father ~ Cody Carnes

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. ~ Psalm 91:1 AMPC

My kids love to play hide-and-seek. They love to find new places to hide while the other is distracted and then yell, “Boo!” when they’re discovered. Regardless of where they hide, they always know to come find me in my “secret place” in the mornings. I’ve always had a “secret place,” where I could “get away” with God.

The other morning, burdens hung heavily upon me. I sat on my bed, writing my prayers to God about all my frustrations, fears, needs, and worries. When my pen stopped, Holy Spirit called me into the secret place. As soon as I stepped inside, I could feel God’s presence envelope me.

There’s nothing mystical about the floor of my closet, with my clothes hanging near my head. I know God will meet me anywhere. But here, I’ve asked questions and received answers; I’ve done research and found God’s treasures; and I’ve spent countless hours in battle through prayer and have seen results. The secret place is not about a location, but an expectation. When I enter the secret place of the Most High, I know He’ll meet me here.

The other morning was no different. Almost as soon as I sat down, the words, “He will quiet you with His love,” leapt from the verse I have taped to the wall, (Zephaniah 3:17). As I cried tears of a child who is known by her Father, all I could do was thank Him: Thank you for knowing me so well. Thank you for hearing me, and for ensuring that I hear You, too.

Where do you go to “get away” with God? Because His Spirit lives inside you, God is always with you. Remember, it’s not about location, but expectation. Where do you expect Him to meet with you?

The Lord your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.

~ Zephaniah 3:17 NIV84

©Heather Potts 2020