Keep Standing pt.1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXbRa5Nm6mM

I Speak Jesus ~ Passion

 

When the sun had gone down and a [thick] darkness had come on, behold, a smoking oven and a flaming torch passed between those pieces. ~ Genesis 15:17 AMPC

 

My dad’s parents were married for over 60 years and my mom’s parents were married for over 50 years before either of the grandmothers passed away. Not many marriages last that long. Why? Did “their generation” do it better? No. It’s not about their age, as people from their generation have also gotten divorced. The difference-maker is God.

 

Alistair Begg, pastor and voice behind the Truth for Life radio program, taught in his sermon series, “I Take You,” that taking seriously your covenant promise is the platform upon which your marriage will stand, because it’s a promise with God. He briefly shared the purpose and weight of the covenant, as described in Genesis 15:9-19. He said the purpose behind cutting the animals in half, setting them apart, and having all parties walk between the pieces is to show what will happen if you break the vows:

“May I be torn in half if I don’t fulfill my covenantal obligation to you. That’s why the Hebrew doesn’t speak about making a covenant. It speaks about cutting a covenant,” (https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2022/07/01/i-take-you-part-2-of-2--/).

In Genesis 15, we see that God made this vow with Abram. God put His own reputation on the line knowing that He would never—could never—break this covenant.

 

Cutting a covenant sounds bleak and dark, not light and happy. But cutting a covenant—standing on your vows, fulfilling your promises—is serious business. While some seasons in life and marriage are easier and more joyful, others are hard and painful. When push comes to shove and life is hard and harder still, on what will your marriage stand? It won’t be the 200+ likes of your wedding pictures, or the memories of the honeymoon. It’ll stand on the covenant promise and the vows you made.

 

If your marriage is in a light and happy season, I am glad for you! But if you find yourself in a battle for your marriage, just remember to keep standing. God never promised that life would be easy, but He promised to be with us.

 

When the day is long and the battle is hard,

                Keep standing.

When the fight is painful and your energy’s depleted,

                Keep standing.

When you’ve spent everything and there’s nothing left,

                Keep standing.

Keep standing!

Keep standing!

Keep standing!

 

I don’t know how things will look when the dust settles, but I do know the God who promised to be faithful. Keep standing on God’s promises, on the covenant, and on the vows you made and see how God will move.

Keep standing.

©Heather Potts 2022

Unworthiness, Pride, and Reputation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeL9mKnd38g

Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) ~ Phil Wickham & Chandler Moore

 

When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. ~ Hebrew 6:17-18 MSG

 

Recently, I realized I’ve been battling the lie of unworthiness. Though I know my promises, (I am a child of God, forgiven, called by name, etc.), I sometimes struggle to walk in the empowerment of them. On most days, I am fine. But when the enemy challenges my worthiness in my calling—like now, when I’ve been called to lead a women’s Bible study—I more easily question, “Who am I?” Ironically, the other side of that coin is pride. Because if I am worthy and I can do it, then the common denominator is I, which is a very dangerous place. And though I am realizing this, it’s not a new battle; not even for me.

 

I have always loved writing, even when I was younger—before we had a home computer. As I grew older and as my relationship with God grew, I wanted Him to use my writing. Then, one day, God said He would, and He called me to start writing for Him. Suddenly, I was afraid and felt unworthy of the calling. “Who am I to share with others? They won’t want to read what I write. I am nobody important. Who am I?” Then God shared His most profound promise with me, one that has shaped how I write, lead small groups, and even pray. He said, “It’s not about you. It’s not your reputation on the line; it’s Mine!”

 

Sometime after that, Lisa Bevere was a guest speaker at our church. I didn’t know who she was at the time. I’d never heard of her. If I remember correctly, her message was on our calling in Christ. I realized God was speaking to me when she read this portion of scripture, “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it all the way, putting his own reputation on the line,” (Hebrews 6:13 MSG). In that moment, in that auditorium, God confirmed His promise to me, that it's not about me. It’s wonderful, because if it’s not about me, then it can be all about Him, which should be the point and focus of all that we do.

 

The Bible says that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Don’t let the devil intimidate you with fear and get you to back down from your calling. For one, you’ll miss out on the blessings God has for you in obedience. And for two, not following through makes it all about you and no longer about God.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

©Heather Potts 2022

At Your Word I Will

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8

God Really Loves Us ~ Crowder, Dante Bowe

 

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” ~ Luke 5:4-5 ESV

 

As I was reading this morning, I realized how much these verses are like prayer: we pray and pray and pray, oftentimes without evidence that it's helping. Then the Lord says, "Keep on praying and believing." At that point we come to a crossroads: Do we explain that we HAVE done it all and nothing has changed? Or do we consider the source and say, "Lord, I have, and I am tired! But because You say so, I will."

 

When I am weary and don’t feel I have strength enough…

When I am tired and see no change…

When I am tempted to quit, throw in the towel, and raise the flag of defeat…

 

You tell me to get up and try again, to pray again, to believe again…

 

Tears streaming.

Heart crying.

 

Though I don’t know how…or why…I sigh, “Because You say so…I will.”

 

Often, our ability to try again is not about our effort—or exhaustion—but about the One asking.

 

Dear friend, I know you are weary. I know you have prayed… and prayed some more. But until the Father says to stop, trust in the One who called you to pray, and then pray, again.

 

Praying with you. 

~Heather

The Battle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvQNzPHn-w

Battle Belongs ~ Phil Wickham

 

For our struggle is… against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:12 NIVUK

 

Are you battling something? I feel like so many people I know are either battling something physical—colds that hang on for weeks, heart conditions, cancer, neuropathy, stomach issues, etc.—or something emotional/mental—depression, fear, anxiety, loss, addictions, and more. I was whining to God the other day about a cold because it had lasted longer than I thought it should. But God reminded me that all battles need to be fought spiritually, and many both physically and spiritually. He also said that while symptoms indicate an issue, they don’t mean that my body is failing the fight. And while feelings tell us something is up, they don’t mean that God isn’t moving.

 

What should you do when your symptoms are yucky, and your emotions are running amuck? Remember two key things: there’s victory in your words and we’re fighting a spiritual battle.

 

There’s victory in your words.

In her book, Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer tells the story of a man who was battling a major illness. One day, well into the fight, the man told God that he felt he was losing the battle. God sent the man a vision and allowed him to see that a demon was next to him, telling him lies. However, when the man spoke the word of God, a flaming sword came out of his mouth, and caused the demon to cower. 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

 

We are fighting a spiritual battle.

There are many examples of this in the Bible. One is when Joshua was battling physically, and Moses was battling spiritually. Moses went up to pray for the Israelites’ victory. When Moses’ hands were raised, Joshua and the Israelite army were winning. However, when Moses’ hands started to drop, the Israelite army began to lose, (Exodus 17:8-13). Nehemiah faced the same thing when he was trying to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. As the enemies came against them, Nehemiah knew, “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed,’” (Nehemiah 6:9).

 

Regardless of your feelings, symptoms, or the battles you’ve been fighting, know that God is moving. Keep praying for your marriage, your kids, and your healing. Keep praying for those battling cancer, neuropathy, and cardiac issues. Keep praying for healing and restoration in families. Why keep praying? Nehemiah said it best: the enemy is trying to get you to think that it’s not working. He’s trying to get you to quit so he can win. We must pray like Nehemiah: Lord, strengthen my hands. Let us not get too worn out and quit. Help us to keep praying, believing, and watching, expecting to see God move!

©Heather Potts 2022

Don't Get Caught Sleeping

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndb7kein1Es

God, Turn it Around ~ feat. Jon Reddick | Church of the City

 

If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ~ Mark 13:36 NIVUK

 

Lately, I’ve been feeling an urgency, a pressing, from Holy Spirit for God’s people. This urgency includes sharing Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him, covering our kids—those in our sphere of influence—and praying for the protection of their identity in Christ, and more recently, it also includes waking up the sleeping church.

 

While researching, I was led to Mark 13:33-37, in which Jesus tells His to keep watch, because no one knows the day or hours of the return of the Son of Man. Jesus said, “It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch,” (v. 34 NKJV). Bible commentator David Guzik said Jesus left us three things: (1) His house—His Church; (2) His authority; (3) His work—work assigned to each servant to complete, not doing the work of others, but each completing his own task.

 

A sleeping servant, therefore, has not been caring for or protecting his Master’s house from thieves or looters. He’s failed to act in the authority left to him, and he hasn’t completed his assigned tasks. Not only does a sleeping servant miss out on the promotions and blessings of a watchful servant, but he’s left knowing he failed his Master.

 

The image of the sleeping servant vs. the watchful servant reminded me of something I heard our leadership say at our previous church. It was classified as a “mega church” and when it was quickly growing, someone said that though the front door was wide-open, the back door was also cracked. This “watchful servant” didn’t want others to “fall asleep,” thinking that just because their numbers were growing each week that their work was done. He noted that there was a disconnect in their mission if people were sneaking out the back door.

 

The same is true regarding our marriages, children, and families. We can’t afford to assume that once they are saved, or once they are strong, that our work is done. We can’t get lazy and fall asleep. There’s too much at stake! The enemy is patient and he’s watching, waiting for you to nod off so that he can slip in and steal your treasures. Because he’s cunning and deceptive, he’ll slowly pull them from you. Maybe he’ll start with stealing their respect for you, destroying a bit of your authority. As you continue to drift off to sleep, He’ll weasel into their thoughts and get them to question their identity, value, and worth. A few more naps are all it’ll take for him to steal all your treasure—the people you love—and get you to wonder, “How did that happen?"

 

Church, friends, don’t get caught sleeping. Jesus said, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:37 NIVUK).

©Heather Potts 2022

It's Not Over

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

God’s Not Done With You ~ Tauren Wells

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. ~ Ephesians 6:12 AMP

 

Have you ever been so focused on all the chaos right in front of you that you forgot about the bigger picture? That was what was going on with me this morning. I was so caught up in the craziness of things going on with some friends, that I was crying—truly grieving for them. But God, in His graciousness, spoke to me. Amid tears, Holy Spirit reminded me that God’s not done writing their story. Holy Spirit took it a step further and reminded me that this is a battle for souls and lives, and the devil is out for blood!

 

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy… ~ John 10:10 NKJV

 

The devil is out to destroy my friends’ lives and their walk with God. And he’ll gladly steal my joy and peace if I’ll let him. If I’ll let him. If I let the devil… If I choose to hand over my peace and joy, trading for his despair and hopelessness, then I will certainly be too weak for battle. That’s the devil’s goal: to make God’s warriors too weak for battle. His plan is to distract us from our true purpose. He’ll use whatever he can: money, fame, pleasure, pain, grief, anger, whatever it takes to turn your head. Like a scary movie, he’s hoping you’ll turn your eyes away from the scene, so he can take control, leaving you powerless to stop him.

 

But God’s got a battle plan, and He’s including you!

 

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. ~ Ephesians 6:10 AMPC

 

Your part is to (1) Put on your spiritual armor. (2) Remember who you’re fighting against. (3) Stand firm. It sounds simple until the fierce winds blow, the enemy roars, and his weapons are drawn. That’s about the time most people turn tail and run. In general, people don’t like messy. We don’t like things that take great effort for long periods of time. We like short and sweet, preferably with a bow.

 

But you are not a coward. You are God’s warrior who has been given strength from God to stand firm. God’s charge to us is to stand firm in His strength and power. It might be a long battle. It might get uglier before it gets better. It will likely cost you time and effort. But you’re not alone, and you’re not expected to fight in your own strength. Today, don’t give up hope! Lean in to God, draw your strength from Him, and stand firm against the devil!

©Heather Potts 2022

Legacy of Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U6OcIaa5jo

Your Nature ~ The Belonging Co. Featuring Kari Jobe

 

Then he said to them, “… Stay here and keep watch with me.” ~ Matthew 26:38 NIV

 

I have been thinking a lot, lately, about the legacy of my grandfather, Lyle Hayes. Most people wouldn’t recognize his name. While most of his grandchildren—and possibly even great-grandchildren—remember him as a quiet, gentle man who loved to sneak his sweets, (and then share them with us), I also know another side of him.

 

As an adult, my grandpa told me that he prayed for me every day, just as he prayed for all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most of the time I thanked him but didn’t really think about it. But in later years, after seeing some of the fruit of his labor—at least 3 relationships restored, physical health restored, mental and emotional health restored, strong marriages, jobs found, etc.—I was in awe of his labor of love.

 

I don’t know when he started praying for his family. I never thought to ask. Regardless, the power that one man’s prayers had in so many lives was more than he could imagine. Whether he prayed at church or home, I know he knew that Jesus was praying with him.

 

In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus takes the disciples with Him to Gethsemane and asks them to keep watch with Him, (v. 38). Later, Jesus told them to, “Watch and pray,” (v. 41). According to Bible commentator David Guzik, Jesus told them to watch and pray, because they needed to combine spiritual power with their physical action to be effective, (Blueletterbible.org). Guzik also suggested that many spiritual battles are fought and won long before we see the crisis.

 

Looking back at his life, my grandpa was always a fighter. Physically, he fought as a bombardier in World War II, serving and protecting his country and family. Through his prayers—a soldier for Christ—he has fought and won many spiritual battles on behalf of his loved ones. I’m proud of his service in the military. I am forever thankful for the decades he fought as a soldier for Christ.

 

Jesus calls us all to keep watch with Him, to watch and pray. Though we don’t know the battles up ahead, we’d like to have the victory even before the crisis arrives. Today, I implore you, do not leave to chance the protection of your family. Keep watch with Jesus, watch and pray!

©Heather Potts 2022