Weaving

Praying Woman ~ Anne Wilson ft. Lainey Wilson

 

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus ~ Ephesians 2:10 AMP

 

When we were little, our choices for day-time TV were game shows, soap operas, or something on PBS. Once, we watched a woman weaving on a large loom. She was in the middle of her project when we started watching. As a child, I didn’t enjoy watching it. But now, knowing how God works in our lives, it’s interesting to think about it.

 

Last Sunday, I had the honor of being on the prayer team at church. Somebody mentioned to us that prayer, while very important, was a thankless job. His word “thankless” immediately surprised me. The worship team, the pastors, and those in kids’ ministry are all seen, so it’s possible they are “thanked” often. But praying is an honor. It’s empowering and encouraging, especially when I get to pray with others.

 

1 Corinthians 12 refers to the Church as a body. Just as one body part (eye, ear, pinky toe) can’t run the whole show, neither can one person or just one ministry. It takes all of us to make the Body work. It’s in the whole Body that God is weaving His beauty. Each strand in His tapestry may not see how it affects the rest, even when they are smooshed up against each other. It’s not until the weaver steps back to admire His work that the completed work and beauty are seen.

 

I didn’t see it last Thursday, when I was having a pity-party. I complained to God. I complained to a friend. It was bad! Fortunately, God loved me enough to kick me in the pants and call me out of it. Then, He called me to pray. Prayer between me and God is still sometimes just between us, even if it’s for other people. But sometimes, He calls me to share what’s been prayed. God gave me a list of people and I prayed whatever He gave me. By the time I was done, I felt so empowered! I texted the friend I’d been complaining to and told her how empowered I felt!

 

But the Weaver wasn’t done. Some of the women I’d prayed for needed hope! This was the reminder that their Heavenly Father sees, hears, and knows them, and He’s still with them. I didn’t know that. I was just praying because He said to do it.

 

As a thread in the Weaver’s tapestry, you may not see how you’re adding to the beauty of His masterpiece. Just know, in the hands of the Weaver, as He threads your story through valleys and mountain peaks, each part is part of His plan, His masterpiece.

©Heather Potts 2024

Even There, Even Then

 Where Can I Go (Psalm 139) ~ Ellie Holcomb

even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

~ Psalm 139:10 NIV

 

Our devotional from Friday morning noted Psalm 139:10. To aid in understanding, the girls and I read the whole chapter. I thought the devotional was a good read, but I didn’t think much more about it until that night. The plan was for the four of us to go camping this past weekend, but this fire that we’re in caused our plans to change. At 8:30pm, I had to drive Brad home in a rainstorm, on dark roads, with a foggy windshield. Though we are walking through fire, Friday night felt more like passing through the waters.

 

Life can feel overwhelming, dark, and scary at times. Even then, the Lord will be with you. Even there, He will be your guide. As David said to the Lord, “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you,” (v. 12).

 

Even if you can’t see the road, or the next step.

Even there, the Lord will light the way.

Even when it feels hopeless, and the fire and waters appear unrelenting.

Even then, the Lord will rejoice over you with singing.

Even when you’ve reached the end of your rope and you can’t seem to find your way back to His peace and joy, again.

Even there, the Lord will be with you; He will hold you, even carry you.

 

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

~ Psalm 139:7-12 NI

 

Even when the devil attacks.

Even when fear and hopelessness are biting at your heels.

Even when plans change.

Even when you don’t know what to do.

Even there.

Even then.

And always.

The Lord will be with you.

©Heather Potts 2024

ALL Y'ALL

 Joy of the Lord ~ Rend Collective

 

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

~ Psalm 126:2 NIV

 

Do you ever think that sometimes Jesus tickles us, just to enjoy the sound of our laughter?

 

Our family devotional, yesterday, was on James 1:2, to count it all joy when we’re enduring trials. The devotional made the distinction between happiness (based on circumstances), and joy. Because joy is a fruit of the Spirit, it’s a gift from Holy Spirit that’s available to all believers, all the time.

 

Yesterday, I said that our family is walking through fire. Some days haven’t been happy. Several moments have been frustrating and overwhelming. But I asked the Lord to help me keep my eyes on Jesus, so that I can serve my family with love, compassion, and joy. Not only has the Lord been faithful, but there have been times when He tickles me, just to enjoy the sound of my laughter.

 

Yesterday, God had me giggling, and just about out-right laughing! After living in Florida for almost two decades, y’all flows out of my mouth just as easily as bubbler. In our Bible study yesterday, Jen Wilkin shared that when Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” He meant a collective you: y’all. That’s when I started giggling. Each time she said, “y’all”, I giggled more. The best part was when she emphasized that “you” meant all believers and was really “all y’all”. I could barely contain myself. It was great!

 

In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus said that if your son asks for bread, you won’t give him a stone, instead. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Regardless of the events that happen today, remember we have a good Father in heaven who loves us, always walks with us, and sometimes tickles us, just so He can enjoy the sound of our laughter.

©Heather Potts 2024

They're Just Threats

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you … ~ Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

I was awakened at 2:22am, at the end of a horrible nightmare. It was then that Holy Spirit reminded me of a truth from a previous Sunday’s sermon: “[Satan] threatens us with things he can’t do.” The pastor’s words are a good reminder that the devil is “a liar and father of lies,” (John 8:44). Satan comes not as a herald of truth. He is only a propagator—a spewer—of lies.

His lies come in the form of words, threats, and even physical attacks on the body. Literally two hours after submitting my book for publication, I was hit with weird physical pain. Though it was only discomfort at first, the pain became very intense. As the pain got serious, so did my stance against the enemy’s attack. You don’t fight a fire by running away, but with Holy Water: The Name of Jesus!

After an overnight battle, which included prayer, worship, and communion, I checked-in with a nurse to ensure I wasn’t ignoring something. I heeded her physical recommendations and continued my prayers. Thankfully, God knew I was going to face this battle, so He prepared me in advance.

In preparation for publishing my first book, I’ve been reviewing a lot of other authors’ books, especially their layout and covers. As I was flipping through the pages of Kim Anderson’s book, Live, Not Die, I reread her battle plan. Though her book is about her battle with and victory over cancer, this is still spiritual warfare. Kim Anderson’s words reminded me to not just speak scripture over my life, but to also speak life and health to all my body parts. By adding her battle plan to mine, and continuing to look to Jesus for my healing, I was feeling 100% by the following evening.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]. ~ 3 John 1:2 AMP

Being wise to the devil’s schemes doesn’t keep him from attacking me, (hello, 2:22am!). It also doesn’t mean I am always quick to recognize his attacks. But as the Lord remains faithful to equip me for incoming attacks and to walk with me when they arrive, I know that with Christ I can overcome.

So don’t worry, because I am with you.
    Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.
I will make you strong and will help you.
    I will support you with my right hand that saves you. ~ Isaiah 41:10 ICB

God is Omniscient: ALL Knowing.

God is Omnipotent: ALL Powerful.

God is Omnipresent: Always Everywhere.

There is no time or place to which God’s knowledge, power, and presence do not extend.

When we remember who God is, how can we fear anything the devil might threaten?

©Heather Potts 2023

*Check out my new site and my new book, available to pre-order today!

 

 

The Lord's Symphony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2U7ffUM5Ec

So Will I (100 Billion X) ~ Hillsong United

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

~ Psalm 96:11-12 NIV

 

Have you ever needed a moment (or two) for yourself? Have you ever wanted to step away for a short break? When you did, where did you go? Because it was a nice summer day and the rest of my family was elsewhere, I went to a trail near our house and sat on a bench.

 

As I sat there, surrounded by grassy fields, trees, and wildflowers, I thanked God for the quiet, beautiful day. The sun was warm on my skin, (meaning this redhead couldn’t stay out very long), the breeze was soft, and the scenery was peaceful. And that’s when I heard it: the Lord’s symphony.

 

Even though it was void of the noises of my house, work, or people rushing to and fro, that field was teeming with life. Multiple kinds of birds were calling to one another. A nearby creek was running. The wind was tickling the leaves in the trees, on the bushes, and on the hanging vines. Even the plane flying high overhead joined in, all combining to create the Lord’s masterpiece.

 

And who gets to hear it? For whom did He make it?

 

Is it alone for the deer, ducks, and dogs?

Is it for bugs, butterflies, and bumblebees?

Is it for the fish, frogs, and fireflies?

 

Yes, and it’s also for walkers, runners, and bikers.

It’s for the kids in their yards and the parents watching nearby.

It’s even for the busy people, those rushing to and fro, on their way somewhere.

 

The Lord composed His symphony for you and for me – for any who will stop and enjoy what His hands have made with us in mind. Take a moment today and enjoy the Lord’s symphony.

©Heather Potts 2023

*Check out my new site and my new book, available to pre-order today!

I am Known

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gKXu6J2wE

Jesus Loves Me ~ Chris Tomlin

 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.”

~ Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

 

I sat down, yesterday, to write in my journal, but then began to cry. They weren’t tears of sadness, but of knowing…that I’ve been known, seen, and loved.

 

El Roi is the God who sees you. This isn’t just a quick glance. El Roi knows your deepest, most intimate needs, desires, and even fears. He has dug away the dirt that’s been piled up and packed down and found the tiny seed that was buried deep inside your heart. This seed is almost too afraid to barely whisper, “See me,” because it really wants God to “Love me”.

 

It doesn’t matter how the seed got buried so far beneath the surface. Any number of circumstances, including lies, could have shoved it there. What matters is that you are seen. You are known. And you are loved!

 

Because God knows you, He calls you. But He does more than just call you.

He…:

sees you.                             knows you.                         made you.                          

designed you.                    freed you.                            loves you.                           

covers you.                        carries you.                         trains you.                          

heals you.                          satisfies you.                      blesses you.       

fights for you.                   protects you.                      stretches you.                   

prunes you.                       feeds you.                           teaches you.                      

counsels you.                    instructs you.                     forgives you.                     

prays for you.                   cares for you.                     protects you.

helps you.                         clothes you.                       restores you.                     

refreshes you.                  empowers you.                 replenishes you.               

provides for you.             transforms you.                 walks with you.                

has redeemed you.         is faithful to you.              strengthens you.             

renews your power.        nourishes you.                  invites you to His Table.

And more!

I encourage you to take some time and ask El Roi—the God who sees you—what facet of His love, which part, specifically, He wants you to focus on today and in your current season. Maybe today it’s just remembering that you are known: really, truly, and fully known.

©Heather Potts 2023

Trust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je3lmscEkBc

Arrows (I Will be with You) ~ Bethel Music, We the Kingdom

 

Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!

~ Psalm 40:4 ESV

 

What do you trust?

Most of us trust many things without even realizing it: our furniture to hold up when we sit or lay down, our electricity and water to turn on, the sun to rise and set, our money to be in the bank, etc. What happens when that trust is betrayed? How do we respond when circumstances are drastically changed, and we don’t even know what we can trust?

 

Psalm 40:4 says, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” The word, “trust” means, “refuge, security, confidence,” (H4009 - Miḇṭāḥ - Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (Kjv), n.d.). We find a sense of security in a great number of things, very few being a complete trust in the Lord. But the things in which we take refuge and comfort—like our seat at church, the dollar amount in the bank, our address, our relationships, or even the condition of our Bibles [mine’s currently falling apart]—are all fleeting and eventually give out, get used up, or fade away into a distant memory. The only true thing we can trust is Jesus’ love and faithfulness toward us.

 

When I looked up verses on the Lord being my trust, several verses included statements about the Lord being my refuge, strength, and shield. When we make something fleeting the source of our trust, we are binding ourselves to it. When it disappears, so does our sense of security. However, because the Lord is unchanging and unending, so is the seat of our trust and security when we center our lives around Him and make His words—His promises—the core of our security. Then, nothing will stop, shake, or move us!

 

Lately, I’ve been studying Peter and his faith before and after jumping out of the boat to walk towards Jesus. When I make the Lord my trust, as Peter did, then I can walk by faith—even walk on water—because then I won’t even see the water.

I will only see Jesus, my trust.

©Heather Potts 2023