Monday, July 31, 2023

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!

 


 

Monday, July 17, 2023

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!