Treasured: A collection of songs, journals and declarations to unveil your beauty and purpose in Christ Jesus

By Christal Joy Potter

Have you ever felt unlovable? Have you ever felt useless? Do you feel burdened by fear and consumed with thoughts of insecurity? Friends, this is not the quality of life God intended for you to live. The Creator of the universe fashioned you with love and purpose. He formed you out of nothingness and instilled you with spiritual gifts and divine potential to bring His light into the world. You are loved so deeply, God sacrificed His Son to save you. You are so important, God entrusted you to be a steward of His Son's own glorious attributes. You have been called to freedom. You hold within your heart the power that raised Christ from the grave, to cast out the enemy's deceptions that tell you that you are worthless. The God of heaven pursues your heart because that is what He sees when He looks at you. He sees purity when you see filthiness. God sees purpose where you feel pain. God says you are worthy of love and complete in Christ when you say you are a failure and not good enough. Treasured will reveal to you the beauty your Creator sees when He sets His eyes on you. As you read, you will be encouraged to set your eyes on His truth. Like a diamond in a dark cave, you radiate with unfathomable value in this dark world. Like a rare gem, you are desirable in the eyes of your Maker. As you read each section, indulge in the precious knowledge you will gain as you come to understand that you were created to shine. Your sufferings might have left you feeling tattered, torn, and unusable, but this devotional serves to uncover the truth that you are more than what society and your past dictates. You are precious, purposeful, and you are treasured!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9781643007892

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Dear Reader

My Prayer of Expectancy

Golden Nuggets of Wisdom

A Divine Connection

The Wisdom from Waiting

The Mind of Christ

Binding Sin, Boundless Love

Yield to Yahweh

Fellowship with the Father

Loving, Serving, and Living for Him

A Change of Heart

Believe and You Will See

The Gift of Wisdom

Be Vigilant

Out of This World

Saved by the Son, Given a Sword

Loved, Covered, and Chosen

Lessons from the Lord

Holiness

Focus on the Father

Unfathomable Love

He Who Calls Us

To Be Known by His Love

Immanuel

The Blessing Giver

Real Love

Our God, the Protector

Grace and Truth

When Disciples Go Fishing

A Voice in the Wilderness

Fully God, Fully Man

When Waters Rise

The Wonder of Salvation

The Limits of Perfection

Heed God's Warnings

Slaying Giants with the Rock

Strength Fostered in Suffering

Living the Good Life

Love Notes to Jesus

The Rush of You

The Gift of Life

He Cares for Me

Rescuer

In All Things, Rejoice

Motivations and Declarations

Fullness of Life

Daily Declarations

The Prosperity of Peace

Renewal

The Mind of Christ

The Beauty of the Seasons

The Harvest of Life

Unfailing Father

His Infinite Wonder

The Ultimate Defender

Never Give Up

Put on Your Armor

You Are a Kingdom Worker

The Word Is Your Weapon

Living by the Spirit

Trading Earthly Pleasures for Providence

In Step with Christ

The Value of a Pure Heart

You Matter

My Heart on Paper

A Note from the Author: From My Heart to Yours

Songs to the Savior

Grace

Faith

Be Still and Know

My Mind

Let Him Do His Thing

You are Beautiful

Walking on Water

Make Him Known

You Are Good to Me

God, I Need You

Don't Doubt His Grace

By Grace, through Faith

Sweet Presence

Sweet Truths

New Beginnings

The Truest Friend

Sustaining Joy

Seek and Discover

He Holds You

Gracious Defender

He is Close

A Love So True

Abide in the Vine

The Living Word

Enrapturing Love

Prioritize Your Prayers

Waging War in the Spirit

You Are Not Your Own

Permeate the World

The Purpose in Your Pain

The Gift that Keeps Giving

The Comforter Calls

He is Your Strength

He Makes the Broken Beautiful

Light of the World

Your True Worth

The Way You Should Go

More than a Fairytale

Forgiven and Freed

Servants with Significant Callings

His Constant Love

Tree of Life

Beauty that Blooms in Adversity

Written in Red

I Am A Child of God

Sturdy Roots

Sincerely, Christal

About the Author

cover.jpg

Treasured

A collection of songs, journals and declarations to unveil your beauty and purpose in Christ Jesus

Christal Joy Potter

ISBN 978-1-64300-788-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64300-789-2 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 Christal Joy Potter

All rights reserved

First Edition

All photographs & images are protected by copyright law. Resale or use of any images of this book is prohibited.

Images © / Adobe Stock

© [Katerin_vin] / Adobe Stock

© [Lavendertime] / Adobe Stock

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

To my loving sister, Sarah. Your name means noblewoman, and that is who you are—a treasured princess, daughter of God. You are a gem that sparkles in my life. May you never forget that you are His and He is yours forever.

Special Thanks

This devotional was born from a season when I allowed the Holy Spirit to heal me of the insecurities and fears that were withholding me from the joyful, purpose-filled life God intends for His children. It is a culmination of my experiences as I rediscovered the hope and power of His word. I am thankful for every challenge that led me to this moment. I believe that God has a purpose for every pain He allows, and that by persevering through pain and opposition, Christ offers us opportunities to bring hope to the hopeless. That being said, I have so much gratitude in my heart.

First, I would like to thank my dear family, who has stood by me in every season. You held my hand in my darkest hour and never let me forget whose I was and what I was made for. You guided me to seek the Lord earnestly and encouraged me in the truth that Christ is always near. You offered me comfort and support when I needed it most, and you continually reminded me that no amount of pain I was experiencing was in vain. Had it not been for your influence, this book might not have become a reality. Thank you for your patient, prayerful love. I love you all to life.

Next, I want to thank my truest of friends who listen to my concerns, desires, and hopes for the future and never fail to point me to Christ. Godly friendships are beautiful gifts from the Lord and I praise Him daily for bestowing that gift to me.

I would also like to thank the prayer warriors who have professed the anointing of God's word over every section I wrote for Treasured. Thank you for understanding that this project is more than just a book and for partnering with me in faith every step of the journey. We pray God will use Treasured as a tool to awaken His children to the truth of their identity. I stand in agreement with my fellow prayer warriors and declare that this devotional will touch the hearts of those who are downcast and restore in them a rich knowledge of their worth as an intended heir of Christ Jesus! Amen.

Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my publisher. Thank you for providing me with the resources to make this God-given dream a reality. What a joy it has been to partner with you on this journey. Your encouragement and support have given me so much hope and excitement leading up to this moment. I knew the day our paths connected that it was orchestrated by the Lord, and I want you to know that I treasure you for this gift you have given me—to hold this dream in my hands and have the ability to now place it in the hands of those who crave to be affirmed in the truth that they are beloved by the King of all kings.

Dear Reader

This devotional is my gift to you. As you read each section, it is my desire that you will be filled with the joy of your salvation and the promise of unfailing hope that you have in Jesus. Writing this book has been a passion project of mine for quite some time. What began as a personal prayer journal in a season of suffering grew into an incredible record of how my understanding of God's word was revived within my heart. In that growth of understanding, I began declaring "I am called, worthy, and useful in His glorious kingdom." Each sweet truth, golden nugget, and lesson from the Lord that you will uncover in this devotional is an account of the clarity I received upon reading the Scriptures again with new eyes! Passages of the Bible that I had read and heard preached my entire life offered me a fresh perspective. For the first time ever, I experienced the breath of life that is God's Holy Word.

The Scriptures are a healing balm, a work of awe-inspiring art, an invitation for constant celebration, and a mighty, ferocious weapon. I encourage you to read each entry as though you are understanding Scripture for the first time. Friend, I know that you have endured great trials, and greater challenges may arise, but my prayer for you as you read this book is that you will be constantly reminded of the love your Father has for you. You are special, one of a kind, and you were created with a mighty purpose in mind. The Lord has chosen you to bring light to this dark world, but the only way you can fulfill this mission is to stand firm in faith and walk forward in Christ-centered confidence.

With the harsh rise in media exposure, and the cultural standards being promoted each day, there are so many distractions vying to steal our peace, sense of purpose and value. That is why it is vital that we arm ourselves with the truth. In addition to the interactive portion of this book, My Heart on Paper, I encourage you to journal along as you read each section of this book. As you journal, be intentional about meditating on the Scriptures that inspired each entry. The Word of the Lord is so personal. Therefore, I invite you to make this experience personal by reflecting on your own life experiences as they relate to each topic, like I did when I first wrote these journals. God is near to the broken-hearted and those seeking His guidance, and He will honor your diligence as you meditate on who He says you are. You are treasured.

You are precious, you are adored. There is so much joy He has in store. Do you not see all that you can be? You shine brightly with true beauty. Keep your faith and cling to hope. You are valued by the King. Open your eyes to see that He treasures you over everything!

Dear friend, I invite you to use the next page to write your very own prayer of expectancy. Pen a letter to God expressing the ways in which you hope to grow or heal. Ask your Father to give you wisdom as you seek to experience His love while reading this book. Let the journey begin…

My Prayer of Expectancy

Golden Nuggets of Wisdom

A Divine Connection

There have been times in my life that I was so focused on making the right decisions and networking to make the coolest connections, all because I thought that was the way I would reach my goals…to get where I was meant to be. However, as humans, we cannot help but experience disappointments when dealing with other humans. I learned through patience and long seasons of waiting that He is the only connection I need to live to my fullest potential.

Dear friend, God has amazing plans for you. He has great work for you to accomplish, people to meet and opportunities for you to experience adventure, love, joy, and growth. However, before you can enjoy the fullness and wonder of His plan, you must first surrender your agenda to the Father. Allow Him to have absolute control, and He will reveal to you the beauty and freedom of letting go. He knows the desires of your heart because your heart is what He sees when He looks at you. He will provide you with divine connections as you pursue the destiny He has prepared for you. All He requires is your faith and praise. As you trust in the omnipotent God, He will lead you to true prosperity. He will steer you from the path you have been wandering and will lovingly guide you in the way you are meant to go.

Do not put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.

Psalm 146:3–6 NLT

The Wisdom from Waiting

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:25–26

Friend, hasty speech can disrupt good timing. It is important to remain patient as the Lord reveals Himself to you. His plans for you are far too great for your mind to comprehend, and that can often be intimidating. Waiting upon the Lord is a vital requirement when on your faith journey. God operates on a supernatural timeline. He does not worry with the pressures of humanity and society. Therefore, if we have placed our trust in Christ to direct our path, then why should we worry? Remember that the student must remain quiet while the Teacher gives His lesson. Do not allow rash thinking, reckless behavior, or restlessness to keep you from receiving the full benefits of His wisdom—those which are only reaped through seasons of waiting. As you wait upon Him, He will prepare you for what is to come. Seek His heart, and He will stir mightily within yours.

The Mind of Christ

Dear one, if you so choose to yield your mind to God, He will pull you out from any pit. The thoughts that fill your mind can create the most treacherous battlefield of all. You must be careful not to entertain ideas and notions that do not reflect the goodness of God. He is your strength, and as you cling tightly to the promises found in His Word, it will become impossible for the darkness of this world to consume you! The devil has zero power over you, but he is the prince of the air. It is important to follow closely along with the Holy Spirit as you venture through life. He will set your filter and shield you from the war that deception wages on your thoughts.

What God says is everlasting truth. What the enemy says is fleeting and false, spewed out with the intent to steal away your hope and joy for the future. Do not relinquish the power of Christ that rests within you in times of insecurity or fear. Instead, think on the beautiful nature of God and His creation. Each moment your mind becomes muddled with confusion, pain or fear, think of something worthy of praise. Take each thought and hold it up to the light of Truth. As your mind is filled with words of promise, strongholds will be broken and you will no longer be a slave to earthly thinking. May thoughts of wisdom, hope and purpose begin to flower in all the spaces that feel barren and depleted. You, my friend, have the mind of Christ!

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable. If there is any excellence; if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Binding Sin, Boundless Love

Have you ever wondered about the forgiveness of your sins? We have all done wrong at some point in time. Sinful living is not defined by our mistakes alone, but by our response after the deed has been done. The Lord looks on our hearts to see who is righteous. He already knows our intent. He is merciful towards those whose hearts are turned towards Him in full repentance—those who recognize their need for a savior. Therefore, if we confess our sins, believing that Jesus is able and willing, with all of our hearts, then we are indeed forgiven! Jesus died while we were yet sinners. He did not die in vain. Christ's forgiveness is always extended to the pure of heart, and His grace is freely flowing—He paid the penalty for all we could ever possibly owe. He died our death. His sacrifice was the epic display of His remarkable, everlasting love for us. All we have to do is confess and receive. God loves His children unconditionally, and He wants nothing more than for you and me to one day enter into heaven and live in eternal communion with Him. Trust in that glorious truth. Jesus Christ does not offer you condemnation. He offers you salvation and abundant grace!

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's condemnation.

Romans 5:8­–9 NLT

Yield to Yahweh

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

Friend, you are not your own. You were created for good works, which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 BLB). If you are living in disobedience to God, who has called you, then you are living in opposition to your purpose. God made you with a purpose in mind. So if you find yourself forging your own path, I urge you to stop where you are and begin seeking guidance from the Lord Himself. It is His desire to instill you with every spiritual gift you will need to accomplish His great plan for your life—every ounce of strength you will need to press on in your journey. As you grow in your lenience upon the Lord for direction, He will grow within you an admirable set of attributes to reflect the heart and nature of Christ. Let God fine-tune your character. As you partner with Him, He will make you able and empowered to accomplish everything He designed you to do. Keeping in step with the Spirit is often challenging, but the reward is of eternal splendor and satisfaction! Do not depend on your own efforts to place you in the promised land. Remember this, friend: living in self-sufficiency apart from your heavenly Father is the same as living in disobedience. Ask the Lord to set your feet back on His path and trust the process. As you live in obedience to Creator God, He will strengthen you to tread upon the heights! Yield to Yahweh, or YHWH as written in the original Hebrew. The very name of God consists of only four consonants. Therefore, when uttered, the sound is literally