Conform to Him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayH5iV5zmrI

Purify My Heart ~ Jeremy Riddle

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… ~ Romans 8:29 NIV

Minutes before we were due to leave for our first in-person life group in over two months, we received the phone call for help. While I waited for Brad to return, I thought about how this was another lesson in being flexible. Romans 8:29 says we were called to surrender our plans – and our lives – the same way Jesus did.

Everywhere Jesus tried to go, crowds of people flocked to Him, begging for help, (Matthew 8:1-2, 5; 9:32). Some even followed Jesus indoors, still pleading for help, (Matthew 9:27-28). Even Jesus’ own disciples woke Him, crying for help, (Matthew 8:23-25). While there were times that Jesus challenged those who begged for help, asking, “Do you believe I can do this?” Never once did Jesus refuse to help.

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said to learn from Him by taking up His yoke. A yoke is traditionally used by oxen, training the younger ones to work together, or to set pace with those that control it. The same is true here. If we take up the world’s yoke, we’ll conform to the world’s overwhelming and selfish ways. But when we take up Jesus’ yoke, we begin to conform to His image, pairing our footsteps and lives with His.

It’s never fun to drop everything—changing plans or letting go of desires—to go another way. But when the way is Jesus’, He promises that we will find rest and refreshment. To Whose image do you want to be conformed?

©Heather Potts 2020

Soul Refreshment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHmO7cRRZac

Dear God ~ Cory Asbury

he refreshes my soul... ~ Psalms 23:3 NIV

We all need a touch from God, a whisper, a reminder that He's with us. Maybe it’s been a rough week, but you received a call, email, or letter, letting you know that you are loved - that was God. Maybe it’s your birthday and you're feeling a little down because things didn't go as planned, but there’s a surprise birthday parade past your house - that was God. Maybe, like at our house, your youngest child had another bad dream and ended up in your bed, but an hour later, woke you with her laughter as she dreamt about something wonderful - that was God.

We never know when or how God will show up to refresh our souls, but as we look for Him, we're sure to find Him. This year might not be going as you planned. The school year might close differently than you'd hoped and expected, but during each leg of the journey, God has been there. 

If, today, you feel as though you need a touch, a hug, a smile, or just a word of encouragement from your heavenly Father, don't fret. He's always with you and is sending refreshment to your soul, often in surprising ways.

©Heather Potts 2020

His Faithfulness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuPP2Kxyo00

There is a King/What Would You Do ~ Elevation Worship

...great is your faithfulness. ~ Lamentations 3:23 NIV

My heart sank when I saw the actual bill total. I knew it was coming, but it was almost double what we expected. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of “making plans” for the difference. Brad tried to remind me of God’s faithfulness in the past, saying our plans were only slightly delayed. I confess that my emotions were so charged that thinking rationally or logically wasn’t going to happen. All I could see was that our plans were ruined, and it hurt.

Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that the Lord’s faithfulness is a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, so that we won’t have to feel the pain of consequences. But it’s not. Faithful means trustworthy, to make secure. As our Father, God allows us to feel the pain of our choices to help us understand the consequences. But He’s faithful to walk with us through them, as He knows and sees how it hurts us to endure.

Though it hurts to part with such a large amount of money, my mistake wasn’t in underestimating the amount owed. My mistake was in forgetting to Whom this money belonged. But even in my mistake and in getting mad that I had to part with it, the Lord showed His faithfulness, again, by allowing me to see that He provided enough to cover this bill before I knew it was owed.

Perhaps during this COVID-19 season you’ve lost perspective and have forgotten the Lord’s faithfulness. Today is a great day to remind yourself, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness,” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

©Heather Potts 2020