On the Side without a Shield

 

https://youtu.be/tgw1hIcW34k

Surviving the Game ~ Skillet 

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. ~ Psalm 121:5 AMPC

If the right hand is your working side, why did the verse also specify that the Lord’s on the side not carrying a shield. As a warrior, your shield gives you protection. When you feel protected, you won’t run from the enemy. Instead, you’ll either stand your ground, or advance in battle. 

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. ~ Psalm 16:8 AMPC

If the left side carries the shield for protection and confidence, then the Lord provides that for you on your right side. He stands at your side and gives you a weapon to wield.

Last week, I had the opportunity to walk one of the 3rd grade classes through the temptations of Jesus. We discussed the importance of knowing scripture as a way to overcome temptation. Just as we weren’t given a sword to hang it on a belt, we weren’t given a Bible to keep it closed on a table. There’s nothing scary about either scenario. But swinging a sword and studying scripture...that makes us a dangerous threat to the enemy.

 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword … ~ Hebrews 4:12 AMPC

But we were created to do more than just fight. We are God’s workmanship, called to do the good works He planned in advance for us, (Ephesians 2:10). That reminds me of Nehemiah and the Jews who worked to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. As they worked, the enemy came against them. Because the opposition was so fierce, “[those] who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked,” (Nehemiah 4:17-18 NIV). That sounds like a rather clunky way to work. But if you are expected to be a warrior--defending yourself and your home--as well as a worker, you’d need to do both. Though the expectation is still there for us, it’s not as literal as this picture.

Most of us will not have to fight and work that way, but we’re still expected to do both. I think, at some point, we have all fallen into the trap of believing that spiritual warfare is for one season, and doing God’s work is for another. But the truth is, we are called to do them simultaneously. God gave us weapons for spiritual warfare so that we could fight and remain standing, while doing the work that God prepared for us.

Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that … you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:13 NIVUK

The Lord is your keeper: your guard, preserver, and Shepherd. 

The Lord is your shade: as near as your shadow for your protection and

refreshment. 

He’s on your right side: on your working side - providing skills, wisdom,

guidance, perseverance, strength, courage, determination, and

encouragement. 

He’s on the side not carrying a shield: on your warfare side -

providing spiritual weapons, like the sword of the Spirit.

The Lord has positioned Himself to be near to you, providing everything you need, in every circumstance. Whatever you need today, receive it from Him and get moving!

©Heather Potts 2021

Breathe. Remember.

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

Never Lost ~ Elevation Worship

O God, when You went forth before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness–Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! ~ Psalm 68:7 AMPC

Has hard news ever slammed into you? How did you overcome the overwhelming feelings?

Over the past few days, Psalm 68:7 was the focus of my reading. It was as though Holy Spirit wouldn't let me read past that verse, though I didn't know why. Was there a lesson I needed to realize? Saturday night, I received the answer when we heard upsetting news about a loved one. At first, I blew off the emotions. Later, however, my emotions felt like a pool about to burst and I cried. 

After my tears, however, I took a breath, and I began remembering all the times and trials the Lord brought us through to victory. Why did this have to be any different? The truth is, it's not. God is no respecter of persons. What He did for one, He'll do for another, including healing and protection!

What are you facing, already this year? I'm sure the enemy hasn't wasted any time telling you to be afraid. Today, instead of looking at what might happen, consider a new tactic. David said, "Come and hear, all you who reverently and worshipfully fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me!" (Psalm 66:16 AMPC). Now is the time to remind yourself of all the times God has helped you overcome. Recall the victories He's brought forth in your life. Remember the times He went to battle for, walked ahead of, and marched into the wilderness for you.  

Today, don't focus on the news. Instead, breathe deeply and remember the goodness and faithfulness of God, who loves you!

Heather Potts 2020

On that Dark Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo&list=RDn0FBb6hnwTo&start_radio=1

Goodness of God ~ Bethel Music

God ’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe. ~ Proverbs 18:10 MSG

Today is a hard day for so many, as they remember the events of this day eighteen years ago. The stories surrounding that day are too numerous to count. I pray that this story gives you hope, even as we remember that dark day.

He got up, got dressed for work, kissed his girlfriend good-bye and headed out the door.  Today was the day it would all change for him.  He was starting a new job, a new way of life.  After orientation, his boss showed him to an office and asked him to file while she was in a meeting.  A while later, he began to hear a commotion.  People were yelling and running.  He stuck his head out of the office and saw the burning twin towers on TV and the reporter talking about the concerns for the President.  Then someone in the office said, “Air Force One is across the street!  Should we evacuate the building?” No one gave an answer, for they were all staring at the TV in horror. He moved back into the office and closed the door, his mind whirling.

In John 14:27, Jesus said He came to give us peace, but He wasn’t talking about a world without war. Jesus' peace is a feeling of quiet confidence and complete trust. That's easy to say when there's no conflict. But what about days of tragedy? And how do those who don't know Him find peace on dark days?

Standing in that office, leaning up against the door, he was afraid.  “What if I die today?  What if they take out the President’s plane and this office with it?  What if my girlfriend was right and I miss it?”  He began to remember what his friends had said one night after work, so many years ago.  They had talked about a Savior. Not a mean God, but One who wanted to love him and who would accept him.  Sliding down to the floor, he said, “God I give you my heart.  From this day forward, I’m Yours.”

The TV stations all reported the number of lives lost that day. It's gut-wrenching to recall and reread the stories. My heart is broken for the families who all lost someone on that dark day.

But there is hope! In John 17:15, 18, Jesus prayed that God would not take His disciples out of the world but would protect them from the evil one while they were in it. He said, "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." He knew the risk of losing even one soul to hell for eternity was far greater if messengers weren't sent to share His story and His Name.

On that dark day, when so many lives were lost, at least one soul was saved. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 my husband gave his life to Christ! 

Lord, thank you for his friends who told him about You long before I ever knew him. I pray that for those who don’t know Peace—who don’t know You—that they would turn to You. Send someone into their lives and to tell them about You. Thank you for wanting us to be Yours. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

And I will give them a heart to know (recognize, understand, and be acquainted with) Me, that I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. ~ Jeremiah 24:7 AMP

©Heather Potts 2014, edited 2019

Reflect pt 2

You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. ~ 2 Samuel 22:36 NLT

As this year draws closer to an end, I’m also reflecting on the promise God gave me just before Thanksgiving, in 2 Samuel 22:36. As I mulled over those words, I remembered a teaching by Judah Smith about Genesis 15:1-6. In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abram, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward,” (NKJV). After researching the link between the two scriptures, I discovered shield means defense, covering, and protection. At the time I wondered, What do I need protection from or a defense against? But God also said He was my victory, His help made me great, and He was my exceedingly great reward.

I’d like to say that when God told us to move, we strapped on our faith, moved, and have done nothing but smile ever since. But then I’d be lying. I’ve actually been whining a lot. WHY has come out of my mouth so much, I’m afraid God will offer me some cheese to go with my whining, but since I’m in the dairy state, it all works. But it reminded me of Judah Smith’s message, because that’s exactly what Abram did. After God told Abram that He was Abram’s great reward, Abram whined that he didn’t have an heir, and if God could come look at his circumstances, He’d see the truth.

Isn’t it funny how we all get like that. God brings us through the craziest circumstances, using the greatest miracles, but we get knocked off guard and all we can say to God is, “Look! Look at my circumstances.” But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, pulls us out of our tents (out of our small perspectives), aims us heavenward, and says, “Look now,” (Genesis 15:5).

Today, we got knocked down pretty hard; it really shook us. But in my tiny perspective, surrounded by my woes, God called to me. He aimed me heavenward, opened my ears, and spoke to my heart. He reminded me there is nothing that I have that He needs, because He owns it all, and sent His Son to share it all with me, His beloved daughter.

What need do you have? What circumstances are sucking up all your energy, drawing your perspective to a small focal point? As this year draws to a close, open your heart and mind to your Father. He longs to point you heavenward, saying, “Look now,” at all He has and wants to give to you, His beloved child.

©Heather Potts 2017

Embraced

Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! ~ Isaiah 51:9 NIV

The other morning, I was snuggling with my Elizabeth.  She’d thrown up and wanted to be held, comforted by my embrace. When we’re feeling out of sorts, don’t we just want to be comforted by Him who loves us?  But how does Father God hold us?

His Arms provide strength, might, power, help and aid. The islands look to me and wait in hope for my arm, (Isaiah 51:5 NIV).

His Hands provide power, means, and direction. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God, (Isaiah 62:3 NKJV).

In His Palm is power and a place one submits himself to seek security and safety. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me, (Isaiah 49:16 NKJV).

His Bosom is a place of embrace and of acceptance. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, (Isaiah 40:11 NKJV).

With His Face, He turns toward us, regarding us, both hearing and answering. And I will never again turn my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken! (Ezekiel 39:29 NLT)

Just as parents hold their babies, our Father holds us. Held in His lap, we are accepted just as we are. We are loved and embraced by our Father who will never drop, leave, or forsake us.  He will give us strength and help us; He will hold us steady and keep a firm grip on us, (Isaiah 41:9-10). We are God’s sons and daughters, held in His embrace, carried close to His heart, (Isaiah 40:11). When Father looks at us, He smiles. And sometimes He tickles us, just to enjoy the sound of our laughter. We are safe, secure, and forever held in our Father’s loving embrace.

©Heather Potts 2016

I Never Knew

I never knew when I’d be born, take my first steps, or my first fall…

I never knew when I’d have my first crush, my first heartbreak, and then my next crush…

I never knew if I’d get married, let alone want to…

I never knew if I’d want babies or if I’d enjoy feeling them growing and moving inside of me…

I never knew how hard and how long the enemy would attack me…

I never knew how deep I’d have to dig, firm I’d have to stand, or how many times I’d be on my knees before my Father’s throne…

But God knew. 

And He knew that He’d walk through it with me, giving me the strength and power to overcome.

Long before the creation of the world, God saw me and He smiled.  He called my name and it made Him laugh.  He created me in His image and it filled Him with delight.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty…If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. ~ Psalm 91:1, 9, 10