Are You Sharp?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iwjtVNNVG4

Cages ~ We the Kingdom

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17

Over the past few weeks, Proverbs 27:17 keeps coming up in my studies. I think people like the idea of this verse, but when it really comes down to it, we shy away from it. The Bible App depicts this verse as an axe head being sharpened by a sharpening stone, with sparks flying from the point of friction. The friction, I believe, is the main reason we tend to steer clear of relationships, or opportunities, that would lend to making us stronger, better, sharper, and more godly versions of ourselves. Friction hurts! 

In a time of easy, quick-fixes to whatever ails us, we don’t want to invest in something that will likely bring discomfort, even if it will help, heal, and/or sharpen us. We then find ourselves in a paradox.

• In opening ourselves up to others, we risk our trust being shattered.

• In removing our masks, putting aside the facade, and coming out of our cages, we risk getting hurt.

• In giving love away, we risk being rejected.

But on the flipside…

• Opening ourselves up to others allows us to be known by them and them by us.

• Removing our masks, putting aside the facade, and coming out of our cages affords us the opportunity for real relationships where intimacy and trust are built.

• Giving love away creates room in our hearts to receive more of God’s love, character, and spiritual fruit.

When we’re not in relationships that, lovingly, challenge us, we will grow dull over time. When we become dull, we tend to withdraw, believing the lie that we’re of no use to others. But when we allow our “dull” selves to be surrounded by and open up to others, the dullness starts getting removed. Then, not only do we become sharper, we also get excited about and seek out others whom we can help sharpen.

The first few steps in anything new are always the hardest, because they involve the greatest risk. But if we want to live Proverbs 27:17 lives, then we must be willing to step outside of ourselves, leave the quick-fixes behind, and get closer to sharpening stones--people who love God, live for Him, and are wanting to invest in you. We need each other!

As iron sharpens iron…

©Heather Potts 2021

I Cried in Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxhY9-oMVRc

Here in the Presence ~ Elevation Worship

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ~ John 4:23 NIV

Crying is an act of vulnerability; it opens your heart to love and intimacy.

Last Sunday was like many others: I expected God to speak to me, but I didn't expect Him to touch my heart. Pastor Dave's sermon, though always good, was bolder and more urgent than usual. He spoke about how the Pharisees knew Jesus was giving them a warning, but still they hardened their hearts and turned from Him. Pastor Dave prayed that God would show us where we'd begun hardening our hearts and that we'd allow God to soften them, again.

After prayer, the worship team played, "Here in the Presence." I don't know at what point God touched my heart—the spot of pain that I'd tried to cover up—but a tear trickled down. It was followed by another and another until all I could do was cry. I realized that I'd tried to swallow some pain and disappointment. I hadn't shared it with anyone, not even Jesus. He didn't want that area of my heart to grow hard, so Jesus touched me. Through my tears, I apologized for not sharing my pain with Him, for trying to handle it on my own. He forgave me and healed my heart. In place of the pain was relief, because I didn't have to carry it and I wasn't alone.

If there's pain or disappointment—past or present—that you've been carrying, or trying to hide, it's time to give it to Jesus.  Allow Him to touch your heart and heal you. And remember, it's OK to cry, even—or especially—in church.

When was the last time God touched your heart?

©Heather Potts 2019

Even an Ugly Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoWocSWM2aI&start_radio=1&list=RDXoWocSWM2aI&t=9

Grace So Glorious ~ Elevation Worship

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ ~ Philippians 1:6 NKJV

Insecurities.

We all have them. I find it ironic that when I’m walking closer with God and gaining victory in one area, the devil always shines a light on an area that needs work. And I feel overwhelmed and defeated.

But then I remember my promises: “Blessed is the [one] who trusts God, whose trust is in the Lord. Love…always trusts,” (Jeremiah 17:7 ESV; 1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV). The devil’s ugly light shining on my insecurities is part of trust. Intimacy, the result of trust, means I don’t have any secrets or any areas I withhold. This is especially true of intimacy with my Father God. Romans 8:28 says God uses all things for the good of those who love Him. The devil’s ugly light is part of “all things.” But God doesn’t use it to shame me. Instead, He holds out His hand and says, “Dearest one, don’t be afraid. I’m going to walk you through this. The closer you walk with Me, the less this will affect you. Allow My majesty to fill in those empty places, until you aren’t bothered by them anymore. Then you will stand empowered, defeating the enemy where he stands.”

Don’t let insecurities claim you any longer. Start, right now, by opening your hand and giving the pain, hurt, and lies to Father God. Watch as your trust in Father God blesses your life with victory, freedom, and intimacy with Him.

©Heather Potts 2019