Of His Pasture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHq3trv0cdI

My God ~ (feat. Amanda Cook) Caves

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand…

~ Psalm 95:6-7 NKJV

Has it been a long, full, and/or crazy week? It has been for us. Not bad, just long, full, and a bit crazy. Today felt a little overwhelming. Again, not bad, but cumulatively, it left me feeling heavy. Many afternoons, I find things to "do." But today, I purposed to "do" nothing, except be in my Father's presence. Why is it that purposing to spend time with Him changes everything?

The Psalms have the answer. Psalm 23 says, "Jehovah is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalms 95 says we are His people and under His care. Psalm 100 says He made us, and we are His. Like an author knows her book and an artist knows his design, the Lord designed and created us, and therefore, knows exactly what we need.

Dear child of God, if you are in need, run to your Father; He is all you need. Jehovah-Jireh is your provider. Jehovah-Rophe is the God who heals you. Jehovah-Shalom is your peace. Jehovah-Rohi is your shepherd, tending to your needs. There is not a circumstance or problem He did not foresee or that took Him by surprise. If you are in need, run to the One who holds you in the palms of His hands. There, will He care for and cover you.

Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

~ Isaiah 46:4 NKJV

©Heather Potts 2020

Eradicating Shadow Monsters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSBwg3FH_54

Fill This Place ~ Red Rocks Worship

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ~ John 1:5 ESV

Perspective: what you see and know.

On March 17, 2015, Brad received the first of two failed spinal injections. Following were spinal surgery, infection, and a month of daily IV antibiotics at a clinic 30-minutes away, all with our two toddlers in tow. My perspective was overwhelmed, at best.

By the end of the day, yesterday, March 17, 2020, I was exhausted. A team of us helped teachers prepare families to do schoolwork from home for at least three weeks. The unknown and what ifs are the scariest part, like a shadow monster in a child’s bedroom.

Consider it: alone in her room, a child watches as the shadow monster emerges. Not knowing what it will do to her, she cries. Dad comes in and turns on the light, eliminating the monster. Then, Dad turns off the light. While the child sees only the monster, Dad sees and begins to reveal the truth. One part of the shadow is from the lamp shade, another part is from a coat hanging on the bed post, and the last part is from a tree branch outside. Once the shadows are picked apart and the fear subsides, the child can sleep in peace.

Perspective is so much of our reality. In 2015, my outlook was bleak. But looking back, I see how God was strengthening us, drawing us ever closer to Himself. We learned to lean in and listen much more carefully. We also learned that God was truly our only Source and would, in fact, provide all we needed.

Today, my prayer is that God would pick apart the shadow monster, eliminating our fears in His light. Remember, He’s with us, holding our hands, and giving us what we need as He walks us through this season.

©Heather Potts 2020

Not in Toilet Paper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6aygmvzM4&list=RDZp6aygmvzM4&start_radio=1&t=30

The Blessing ~ Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. ~ Psalms 112:7 NIVUK

I remember when we were serving on Prayer Team at our church's west campus, in Florida. My favorite part of the mornings we were serving was getting there early to pray over the chairs, while the Worship Team rehearsed. We would pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of those who would be sitting in those chairs, that they would hear what God had to say. We would pray for the pastor, that the words in the message wouldn't be his words, but God's. When we had finished praying, we would just worship, soaking up the presence of God.

Today, there is a lot of panic over what the future may (or may not) hold. There is a run on hand sanitizer and toilet paper. While I really hope there's toilet paper available when I need it, my hope is not in toilet paper. Nor is it in a job or a circumstance. My hope is in the God who knows what I need, long before I do. My hope is in the God who walked His people through the water on dry ground. My hope is in the God who sacrificed His own Son, who died on a cross, to save me, and to save you.

Today, I don't know what you're facing. I don't know the full scope of your circumstances. But I do know that God is still on the Throne and He has a plan for you, because He loves you. In the middle of whatever you're facing or dealing with today, take some time to enter His presence. Let the fear just melt away and just be with the One who loves you.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. ~ Psalm 20:7 NIV

©Heather Potts 2020

Funnels and Rivers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHEiPZ4U4Kk&list=RDOHEiPZ4U4Kk&start_radio=1&t=2

Overflow ~ Victory Worship

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. ~ Isaiah 50:4 NIV

I didn't own a funnel till I moved back to Wisconsin. When my aunt offered to teach me about canning, I needed one. Funnels are useful because of their design, which is wider on top and narrower at the bottom, enabling the contents of larger containers to be poured, easily, into a smaller one. Like how water moves from one area to another through rivers and streams.

Rivers and streams constantly have life—water, fish, etc.—flowing through it from one source to another. Because of the constant movement, rivers and streams are continuously being refreshed, unlike a pond. Ponds, though receiving water, don't typically have water flowing out, keeping its contents the same, and contained. That's why fish kills are more prevalent in ponds.

Have you ever considered how your life is meant to be lived like a funnel or river? Though there are seasons for receiving, most of what you learn from God is meant to be shared. This isn't just for the benefit of those hearing the news, but also yours. I've heard—and experienced—that those sharing the message get just as much out of it as those receiving it. As you share Truth, the message has a way opening more of your understanding, possibly changing you through conviction, and blessing your life in the process.

Who, in your sphere of influence, needs a touch from Jesus? Who needs to hear of His love and promises for them? It's time to remove the fear-stopper—the one I must remove before sending out each devotional. It's time to become a river, which carries the refreshing truth and promises of God. To whom will you be a refreshing river, today?

©Heather Potts 2020

When Plans Change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glent8xwAL4

Walking Like Giants ~ Stars Go Dim

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. ~ Psalm 121:1-2 MSG

Did you ever expect plans to work one way, and ended up surprised when God took you in another direction?

In February 2006, I really started growing in my faith in Jesus. The more I leaned in, the more He revealed to me. One day, I confessed my dream of wanting to be a writer. God told me that I needed to get baptized, first. In October 2006, I was baptized in the Gulf of Mexico.

Looking back, I laugh at how silly I was: I expected that the very next day, I'd be handed a writing position or something similar. It wasn't the next day, and it wasn't a writing position. Five months later, I started working in at a large newspaper, as an Advertising Assistant. In 2008, God told me to start a Bible Study at work. I reminded God that it was a newspaper and they didn't like Him there. He said, "I know. Do it anyway." It was a small group, but we always looked forward to it. Then something wonderful happened: God started depositing seeds in my heart, words to share with the group throughout the week. I began writing, sending encouraging emails that were inspired by God. He kept His word. It wasn't in my timing and it didn't look the way I thought it would, but my dream was all about me and His plan included me.

If there's a dream or passion you're aiming for, don't give up—not on the dream or on God. He's got big plans and they include you. They may take longer than you'd like and may take you places you never expected you'd go, but say, "Yes!" to Jesus and He'll keep His promises to you. He's faithful to His Word!

©Heather Potts 2020

Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGJO-wdGGb8&list=RDEGJO-wdGGb8&start_radio=1&t=0

Learning ~ Jason Gray

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

What's a synonym for teacher?

Friend. Buddy. Confidant. Encourager. Comforter. High-Fiver. Juggler. Imagineer. Engineer. Inventor. Trainer. Hugger. Lost-Mitten-Finder. Reader. Greeter. Tear-Wiper. Note-Taker. Record-Keeper. Multiple-Hat-Wearer. Coat-Zipper-Upper. Helper. Maid. Coach. Counselor. Reminder. Mediator. Hand-Holder. Recess Leader. Hall Monitor. Lunch Opener. Microwave Operator. Organizer. Janitor. Table-Washer. Paper-Corrector. Filer. Voice of Reason. Shepherd. Truth-Sayer. And, on top of it all, Educator. 

How do they do it? The best ones, because of, with, and by the grace and strength of God!

Teachers: please know that families don't know all that you do or is asked of you. On days when you are tired and feeling defeated, remember that at All times and in All things, God is able to bless you abundantly so that you will thrive, flourish, and excel in everything He's asking of you. 

Those who've been encouraged by a teacher (or whose kids have): Start with prayer! Pray for their day, health, safety, and family. Pray for wisdom as they teach future generations. Pray that they will be encouraged. And if you're able, send them a thank you note. They need the encouragement and will enjoy hearing how a student's life has been inspired.

Thank you, teachers!

©Heather Potts 2020

The Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE&list=RDhuFra1mnIVE&start_radio=1&t=0

Forever ~ Kari Jobe

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). ~ John 10:10 AMPC

Have you ever thought about the mission God's given you? Most businesses have a mission statement which serves as the filter behind all their decisions. It's their "why." Your "why" is what keeps you motivated when the odds are stacked against you, helps you filter life's decisions, and enables you to persevere when the lies of the enemy are mounting.

Lately, I've been looking into some resources to help with my calling. One wanted to know my "why." Mine is to empower, encourage, and help others to know their value, worth, and freedom in Christ—freedom from lies, shame, and pain. I can still see the image God painted for me: a beach was lined with towers holding captives in bondage. But through prayer and sharing God's truths, the prisoners were freed, and the towers were torn to rubble, washed away by the waves of the sea, like melted sandcastles. 

We know that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy our dreams, visions, and God-given missions, which is what makes your "why" imperative!

I encourage you to pray and journal, asking God your "why." Whom will you to impact on the mission He's given you? Whose lives will you touch and change, (if it's truly God-sized, you won't know the half of it!)? Spend time with your heavenly Father uncovering your "why." Then write it down, so that when the devil lies to you about God's calling for your life, you can look at the devil and say, "This is what I've been called to, and here's why!"

©Heather Potts 2020