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

No 5 Walking

https://youtu.be/-fpUvEKd91w

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus ~ Steffany Gretzinger

Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! ~ James 5:16 TPT

Before it closed, our girls took turns praying on the way to school. Savannah typically opened with, "Let no one get 5 walking." At the girls' school, 5 Walking could be issued for a myriad of reasons, from not turning in homework to talking during a test. 5 Walking meant you walked the perimeter of the playground for the first five minutes of recess. To a child who wanted to be with his or her friends, that was a big deal!

After a few months, I asked why Savannah prayed for no 5 Walking. She said it was because she wanted kids to do what was right, kind, and respectful. To a 7-year-old, the best way to help her classmates was to pray that they'd make better choices, and thus avoid painful consequences. Who else needs someone praying like that for them? I know I do.

The great news is that we have it! Jesus is constantly before Father God, interceding on our behalf, (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1). Though the enemy is continually spewing our faults before the Throne, Jesus is relentlessly and fervently speaking to Father God in our defense.

In these days of physical and social distancing, it’s important to keep our focus on Jesus. The enemy is working overtime to overwhelm you with anxiety. He’s pouring on condemnation, saddling you with a sentence. We need to realize that our “5 Walking,” our eternal death sentence, has been paid in full! As this Easter season approaches, remember that the same Jesus who died, rose again, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, did it all for you! Today, reclaim your peace and rest in Jesus, who loves you and is praying the best for you. 

©Heather Potts 2020

Scattering the Shadows

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. ~ Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

Last night, I woke up after nightmares feeling nauseous—the 3^rd night in a row. After lying awake for several minutes, I heard Jesus singing over me, “I will cast my cares on You.” In the dark, I moved to my God-chair and half prayed, half cried at the realization of the weight I’d been carrying. But God spoke, scattering the shadows and breaking-up the lie. “It’s not your responsibility,” He said.

Unfortunately, this is not my first rendezvous with lies and shadows. But at the sound of His voice, God brought the light and everything became clear.

Isaiah 41:10 is a promise—a declaration—first revealed to me in 2015, when I was engulfed by darkness and shadows. But God stepped into that pit and pulled me out, holding me in the safety of His embrace. Last night, rereading that promise, He reminded me, “I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you.” The enemy’s going to bring his worst, his A-game, with fear, condemnation, guilt, and shame. But God has promised to hold me up with His victorious right hand.

If someone you know is walking in a realm of shadows and darkness, keep praying for them. James 5:16 declares, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working),” (AMPC). Let God do the fighting, breaking up the darkness and scattering the shadows.

Father, thank you for Your promise to help and uphold us in Your victory. Thank you for giving us a Spirit of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind. Thank you that we have been given the mind of Christ and are guided by His thoughts and purposes. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017