What You've Been Given

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEwDx8YJndU

What a Beautiful Name / Break Every Chain ~ Hillsong Worship

But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. ~ Psalms 42:8 NLT

I wasn't looking for scripture for myself, this morning, but for Savannah. Since having a nightmare, she's been very afraid and extremely clingy, and no amount of reassurance has helped. She's afraid, as happened in her dream, that, when I need to go someplace without her, I will leave and never come back. 

Brad and I have talked a lot about it and can't figure out what precipitated it. One thing's certain, she's been filled with fear, and it's not let her go. So, I went to the One who has both the answers and the power to heal: my God.

Holy Spirit reminded me of scriptures to pray over her. He told me to get my armor on, because we are battling on her behalf. She doesn't have to, nor should she be left to, live in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 is a promise about the things we—as children of the Lord—have been given.

If someone you love is facing a battle for the condition of his or her mind, get your armor on and declare war on the things that are not of God! Child of God, you have NOT been given a spirit of fear, worry, anxiety, depression, or anything else the enemy offers. Dearly loved child of the living God, you HAVE been given a Spirit of Power, of Love, and of a Sound Mind. My God has given me the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven and whatever is bound on earth is bound in Heaven. In Jesus' Name, we bind a spirit of fear, depression, anxiety, and worry and loose a Spirit of Power, Love, a Sound Mind, and a restored and refreshed soul. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.

©Heather Potts 2019 

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

The Lord Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wedYKosEe9k&list=RDwedYKosEe9k&start_radio=1&t=1

Won't Stop Now ~ Elevation Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfLcdBuB7NY&list=RDzfLcdBuB7NY&start_radio=1&t=4

Here Again ~ Elevation Worship

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah ~ Psalms 46:1-3, 7 NKJV

I had a very different plan about how tonight would go. But God knew I needed to get into His presence, so He "cleared my schedule," and He met me here.

The enemy has declared war. Fires are burning hot all over the place. The liar has risen against us. The thief is waiting, watching for a sign of weakness so that he can come in and steal all our peace, our joy, and all that is ours.

But the Lord has spoken!

He is the Lord Almighty, the Lord of hosts.

He is head of the angel armies.

He holds sway over all things - the sun, moon, stars, and the universe.

He is the ruler of all things.

And He is with us.

He is our refuge and our strength. 

He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. 

He is our fortress. 

He is the Beginning and the Ending. 

He is who is, who was, and who is to come.

He is the Almighty. 

When we face sickness or injury,

when there are changes at work or pay is cut,

when there is family discord or broken relationships,

when hurricanes come and earthquakes shake the ground,

when tornadoes strike and fires burn,

when nothing makes sense and we need a warrior, a hero, and a place to hide,

Remember…

He is the Lord Almighty, the Lord of Hosts.

And because He is for us, we will not fear!

©Heather Potts 2019

The Victory-Giver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY&list=RDFkRiYsTN7KY&start_radio=1

Is He Worthy ~ Chris Tomlin

Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered. ~ Psalm 40:5 NKJV

I subscribe to a handful of devotionals. The premise of one, is getting to know Jesus on a first-name basis, exploring the different names of God. Today's name is "The Lord God Omnipotent." The devotional asked: if God is All-Powerful (Omnipotent), what power do you need in your life, today? (Prime Time with God Devotionals: www.churchgrowth.org, https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/AFD515F44C43B7F8)

We all face hardships, whether relationships, finances, health, etc. At times, our hardships are numerous, but we don't have to face them alone. When David faced Goliath, Moses faced Pharaoh, Gideon faced the Midianites, and when Nehemiah faced Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, they weren't alone. When you face your worst fears, your fiercest enemies, or any kind of trial or hardship, you won't be alone, either. But like David, Moses, Gideon, Nehemiah, and many others, your story isn't about facing opposition; it's about God.

Psalm 44:1-3 says we're to share the victories God has done in our lives, so that others—especially the next and future generations—will know it wasn't by our might, knowledge, or finances that brought us the victory. Rather it was His right hand, His arm, and the light of His face, because He loves us.

What opposition are you facing? Turn your eyes from it and gaze on the One who is the Victory-Giver. Be encouraged by the wonders He's already done in your life, the thoughts He has toward you, and the victories that are still ahead. Then, turning back to the opposition, declare: My God is Worthy of Praise! By His strength, He will bring this victory!

©Heather Potts 2019

His Songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awkO61T6i0k

Raise a Hallelujah ~ Bethel Music

The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty. ~ Psalm 29:4 NKJV

The devil uses fear and doubt as he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Fear and doubt are huge roadblocks for all who want to move forward into God's calling, as well as for everyone standing and believing in the promises and miracles God has for us.

As we keep seeking God, the enemy keeps sending spiritual giants, each one larger than the last. But in studying these past few days, I've noticed a recurrent theme: God sings over me. It's not just to refresh my soul, though there are those times, too, but to protect, strengthen, and deliver me.

Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation. ~ Isaiah 12:2 AMP

You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance.  ~ Psalm 32:7 AMP

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

The voice of the Lord is powerful! Psalm 29 says the Lord's voice "strikes with flashes of lightning…shakes the desert…twists the oaks and strips the forest bare…" (vv. 4-9). The same God who spoke the world into existence is singing, shouting, and rejoicing over our trials and circumstances.

Whatever you are facing today – whatever giants are staring you down – join the Lord as He sings, today. Worship Him. Praise Him. Join Him in shouts of deliverance over those giants!

©Heather Potts 2019

Impossible: Nothing

https://youtu.be/k4qdVECadAE

Nothing is Impossible ~ Planet Shakers

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." ~ Mark 10:27 ESV

What is it that you want?  What desires has God placed on your heart for your marriage, your family, your kids, others in the community, and/or those across the world? 

Maybe it's seeing an end to all human trafficking. Maybe it's strengthening marriages, or the emotional and spiritual healing for your close, or extended, family. Maybe it's having your child or spouse come to or come back to Christ.

Whatever the passion or desire, it's not there by accident, but because God laid it on your heart. Whether or not your part will be kicking down physical doors, your part will be tearing down spiritual strongholds. Not in your own strength or power, but through Jesus'.

Right now, we're facing spiritual battles, too. When we declared what we desire to see happen, someone doubted and asked if we knew what would happen if we challenged the status quo. Truthfully, no, we don't know what will happen. But we know what will happen if we don't pray and seek God: nothing.

My abilities, talents, and strength apart from God are worthless. But through Him...the possibilities are endless. 

What are you facing, today? What are you desiring and daring to do? On your own, the outcome is iffy, at best. But through God, what's impossible: Nothing! 

©Heather Potts 2019

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