In the Trenches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9moCqVAF2ak

Ghost ~ Crowder

Have you ever been in the valleys of life? 

What about in the trenches?

Life seemed to be going along like normal, maybe you sensed things were slightly off, but before you had a chance to react, the earth started to tremble and down you went from the hillside and into the valley. But your quick shot down didn’t end there. Before you could even get your bearings, the valley floor opened and you fell through a crack. When you carefully, cautiously stood, you looked around and found yourself in the trenches in the middle of a war zone. You weren’t sure who was flinging bombs at you, but you knew enough to duck. In your crouched position, fear began to waft into the trench with you, like the smell of death. It was death to the life you thought you knew, felt that you’d had, giving way to this new reality in an ugly, scary battle scene where hope has faded to gray and you feel all alone.

Sadly, this is reality for some of the people I care about deeply. Without much warning, life shattered and they awoke to this new, hurtful reality. First it only breaks the heart. But then, it messes with the mind. Hurt and fear set in when the mind asks if the life and relationships you thought you had were all just a lie. Hurt and fear give way to anger when you believe the question as truth: it was all a lie!

Though the trenches look bleak and gray, hope begins to grow when Light is spotted. It may look like it’s coming from an encouraging post on social media, or a card from a friend. And though He’ll use resources like your therapist, your pastor, and even prayer warrior friends, there’s only one Light Source. His Name is Jesus.

If you are on the outside, watching a loved one struggle through trench warfare, commit to standing with them in prayer. This is likely to not be a short season, but God allowed you this unique position in their life to partner with them in prayer and, at times, to cover over them in a blanket of prayer-protection. This may not be trench warfare like your great-grandfather faced, but it’s spiritual warfare, which means the stakes are higher and the injuries more costly.

If you’re in the trenches, then suit up! This is likely to be the greatest battle you’ve ever fought. The devil fights to the death and he’s out for blood! But you are not without protection and you’re not without hope. Get your spiritual armor on; hold up your shield and swing your sword. Pull God’s Word close to you and dig into His promises like your life depends on it. His Word will become your greatest weapon and resource till this battle is won, and then will be the launch pad from which your new season will begin.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:11-13 NIV

©Heather Potts 2021

Upheld by Promise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9s7GogPKCg

He Is ~ Crowder

Uphold me according to Your word [of promise], so that I may live;

And do not let me be ashamed of my hope [in Your great goodness]. ~ Psalm 119:116 AMP

We are fortunate enough to live near a pool, especially since this summer has been so hot. One day when we were at the pool, one of the girls noticed that the previous night’s storm had knocked over the foam life preserver ring. She effortlessly put it back on its hook and asked how it could possibly save someone’s life. 

The ring looked like it had baked out at that pool for many years. But nevertheless, understanding the science behind it, or not, foam floats in water. Will the ring, itself, get the person out of the water? Will it reverse time, eliminating the event that caused the person the need of the life preserver in the first place? Will it erase all of life’s stresses? The answer, of course, is no. But what it will do is keep the person’s head above water till he/she can regain enough strength to get to safety, or until the person throwing the ring can pull the other to safety.

How interesting that we often cry out to God, saying, “Save me!” To which He says, “I have.” We mean: get me out of this mess, out of these waves, out of the water. Put my feet on solid, secure ground, so that I would never again feel pain. God means, “Listen to My Words.”

Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me...watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ~ Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. ~ James 4:8, 10 NKJV

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed. ~ Psalm 34:18 ICB

Sometimes, we think of God’s “nearness” as the opposite of far from us. But “nearness” is about perspective. When we see God as being near or close by, He becomes someone who is approachable; someone we can confide in and lean on, like a best friend. The closer we draw to God and the more we lean on Him, the more His promises become like a life preserver. He doesn’t promise to lift us out of our circumstances. But His promises will keep us from drowning, as we lean into them. When we rest upon God’s promises for us, we’ll regain our strength, till we’re able to fight again.

Whatever you’re facing today, stop thrashing in the water, mad at God for allowing these circumstances to be thrust upon you. Instead, draw near to your Friend. Lean on His promises till you regain strength. Then, stand on them, equipped to face the giants and battles that come your way!

©Heather Potts 2021

The Window

One day, in heaven, an angel spotted God and Jesus looking through an open window. On the other side of the window was a girl. The angel paused for a moment and saw the girl pass by the window several times, only glancing at it, but never stopping. Curious, the angel approached God. God, calling the angel by name, invited him over to join them. God explained that this was a window they’d opened for the girl and had invited her to climb through to experience the joy and blessings on the other side. Before the angel could ask why she hadn’t climbed through, Jesus explained the situation:

    “She’s afraid. As you know, Satan taunts humans, speaking lies to them all day and all night. This girl has been lied to for so long in her life about what she can’t do, will never amount to, and would fail if she ever tried, that she’s become quite cautious.”

The angel asked if the girl was a Child, if her name was in the Book of Life.

Proudly, Jesus said, “Yes.”

At his answer, the angel was even more confused and asked why she wouldn’t come through the window. Afterall, He could see Holy Spirit was with her, on the other side.

    Again, Jesus explained, “Humans have to decide whose voice they will give more credit to, which one they will spend more time hearing. Too often, they shed their spiritual armor at night, sleeping without their helmets. This allows the devil the opportunity to lie to them in their dreams. Then, in the morning, they forget to put back on their armor. Sadly, even if they remember to put it all on, they forget to swing their Swords while bracing against the Shield for protection. Too many humans fight pointless battles with other humans, forgetting they are truly at war with a real, powerful spiritual realm. Because of that, when the enemy lies to them, they don’t know how to wield their weapons to protect themselves and advance the charge that We’ve set forth for them.”

The angel looked back at the girl. “What about her?”

    Again, Jesus smiled at her, then said, “She’s been swinging and standing and fighting.”

    “But then why is she hesitant to climb through Your open window?” the angel asked.

    Jesus looked at her, even as He answered the angel, “Because she’s still in training. She’s still practicing hearing Our voice and shutting out the lies. She’s leaning in; every day she comes closer. Though she’s hesitant, she’s learning to see through the visions Holy Spirit opens to her. She’s beginning to see through the window, even if she hasn’t yet climbed through to the calling that awaits. But don’t give up; just keep watching with us.”

This short story is a reminder that we have been called to a purpose, higher than just making a living on earth before we die. Ephesians 2:10 says God created us in Christ Jesus for the good works He prepared in advance for us to do, laying out the paths and “opening the windows” He would have us go through and take. But we have a real enemy who hates God and all who would be used by Him, (that’s us). Therefore, the devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us. He lies to us, hoping we’ll forget we’re in a battle that requires spiritual armor, to not only protect ourselves, but to win and claim territory for God’s Kingdom.

Don’t face this battle lying down. Remember, your enemy lives in the spiritual realm. Though he loves to use your boss, spouse, kids, and neighbors, they aren’t your true enemy. Don’t waste your time fighting them. It’s time to fight to win! Decide today to lean in and listen to the voice of Truth, to take territory for Jesus, and to walk the paths God laid out for us, so we can reach the people who are waiting to hear about and from God.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  ~ Ephesians 6:10-11 AMP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4KEgwLDLHw

Don’t Tred on Me ~ We the Kingdom

©Heather Potts 2021

Most Essential Need

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLBvCTV23qw

Nothing Else ~ Cody Carnes

Glory in His holy name; 

Let the hearts of those who seek and require the Lord [as their most essential need] rejoice. 

~ Psalm 105:3 AMP

Have you ever noticed that when you’re trying to pray or have quiet time with God, it doesn’t take any effort for you to get distracted? That happens to me more often than I’d like to admit (even to myself). When you confess those times to God and ask for His help, He is faithful to help.

Yesterday morning, at church, we heard from some missionaries our church supports. Though we often hear from missionaries, yesterday’s story hit me differently. The missionaries told a story about someone who’d been walking around in darkness and was so desperate for the Light that, once exposed to it, this person asked, “Where can I get my hands on a Bible?”

Like many people, I have access to multiple versions and copies of the Bible, but sadly, my greatest times of hunger and thirst for God’s Word (with only a handful of exceptions) have been either during a fast, during a very hard time, or when I am seeking a specific answer. Yet this person’s desperate need and desire was for God’s Holy Word. I prayed in that moment, confessing the times I’ve let emails, the budget, the dishes, the laundry, TV, social media, even the hamster distract me from God’s Word and His presence. I prayed and asked God to give me a hunger and thirst for Him, again. Not for the purpose of blessings, or filling my needs, but just to know Him better. Just an opportunity to be with Him.

If this resonates with you, then my prayer is that you’d cast aside the distractions - taking thoughts captive is a huge help - and seek the Lord as your most essential need.

Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might];

Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. ~ Psalm 105:4 AMP

©Heather Potts 2021

Greatest Story

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QFibRYApr8

Child of Love ~ We the Kingdom

 For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! ~ Isaiah 41:13 AMPC

For Savannah’s birthday, we’d planned to surprise her with tickets to Saturday’s Lifest event, so she could see Crowder, her favorite band. When I told a friend our plans, she said she had some extra FREE tickets for the FULL event, if I wanted them. I was over-the-moon excited and thankful - both to God and to her!

The other day, when I asked a friend what his family’s plans were for the weekend, I also asked if they were going to Lifest - a 4-day concert with numerous Christian bands and speakers. His response made me sad. He said, “All concerts are the same. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” For many things I would likely agree. But just like each time you read God’s Word He touches your heart in a different way, when you’re singing His praises, His Spirit speaks to your heart differently each time.

Let me assure you, God’s presence was there and He was moving in people’s hearts and lives. I saw it in the way two teenagers worshiped God with their whole hearts. I saw it in the way people were moved to tears, to their feet, and to shouts of joy. I also saw it in the way Elizabeth and Savannah danced and lifted their hands to Jesus - which has to be the best gift God could give a parent. God was in that place! But He’s not just in our town for this concert. He is everywhere you are, when you are worshipping Him. 

Psalm 22:3 says God inhabits the praises of His people. He abides, sits, dwells, lives, and remains with you, as you worship Him. What are you walking through today? Yesterday and last night, we heard from several artists who said they came from a place of pain, shame, and brokenness. If God will do it for them, when they were nobody anybody knew, don’t you think He’ll do it for you, or your loved ones? The very same God, Who creates worlds with a single word, Whose Spirit brings dead bones to life, is the same ALMIGHTY GOD Who is able to make a broken life, broken marriage, and broken heart into the greatest story ever told! Don’t let today be just another song, another concert, another day. Let today be the beginning of the greatest story God ever told with your life!

©Heather Potts 2021

Quickened by Jesus

What am I supposed to do once she’s gone?

It hurt my heart when Savannah asked that of her friend whose family is moving away next week. This will be the second significant loss of a friend within her lifetime. Four years ago, at the end of this month, we moved from Florida to Wisconsin, leaving many friends behind. Now, one of Savannah’s closest friends is moving away. What do you say?

I’m grateful Savannah easily accepted my help last night, because it was only two days ago that she was sobbing. Just like Savannah, I believe we’ve all asked the question, “What am I supposed to do now?” as our lives change. Change is hard enough when it’s something we want or choose, but when it’s happening to us, not of our choosing… It can be so hard.

If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow. ~ Psalm 119:92 NET

Psalm 119:92 is an expression of deep gratitude, the kind that is born out of a trial and a close-knit relationship with Jesus. Based on the surrounding text, the author wrote it while still in the midst of a trial, and not after it. Have you ever felt pain so piercing, you truly believed your heart would shatter if one more thing bumped into it? How do you survive that? Not by isolating or trying to fix it on your own, but by running to the One who can heal and help you. 

I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. ~ Psalm 119:93 KJV

“Thou hast quickened me.” Though written in Early Modern English,  it captures the beauty and sentiment expressed by the psalmist. Just as a broken heart is not given a bandaid, a life in distress needs a quickening spirit, found only in Jesus, (1 Corinthians 15:45). The quickening, referred to in Psalm 119, is a reviving “from discouragement of the spirit; from faintness; from death,” (blueletterbible.org). In the middle of a trial, life can feel like it’s getting harder before it gets better. Part of that may be the dross dripping off as Jesus watches closeby, waiting for the precise moment that He’ll pull you out, as pure gold.

I pray that when life gets hard, we will have the same close-knit relationship with Jesus as this psalmist, whose life and spirit were revived and brought to life out of a pit of deep sorrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhoEktYO5w8 ~ Rest, Kari Jobe

©Heather Potts 2021

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