Master Potter

by Jill Austin

  Joyful stares at her shoes and tries to discern what to do. “I don’t want to cause problems but I want more than a once-a-month revival meeting.”

  Fear of Man growls, “Stop being a troublemaker. Didn’t you just hear what I said? You have four options and only four options. Master Potter is dangerous; His fires are out of control. They’re not an option.”

  Diligence, relieved that the intercessors seem to be coming into line says, “You don’t want to be rebellious; after all, the Fire Chief knows about fire too. He’s an expert. We don’t want a fire that’s out of control. Really, choosing one of these plans is the best for everyone.”

  FALSE SUBMISSION

  Wanting to do what’s right and moving under false submission, the ladies stop praying and begin questioning their motives. They retreat into self-examination and morbid introspection.

  Joyful painfully blurts out, “What if we’re praying wrong? I don’t want to stir up trouble for the group.”

  “I never can trust my motives,” says Long Suffering. “Whenever I think I’m doing the right thing, it turns out to be wrong. It’s so hard to know.”

  “I guess that’s why we have leadership over us,” says Joyful. “We’re all new to this. If I learned anything from this it’s that my discernment isn’t as good as I thought.”

  As tears run down her cheeks Beloved says, “I always make a mess of everything. In the wilderness I fell into the enemy’s trap and believed it was God’s will. Now I resist the very people that are here to help us, thinking it was the enemy. I’m a total mess. I’ll never grow up into my destiny.”

  “I assume if Master Potter wanted us to have His fire He could certainly bring it. He didn’t need us to pray for it before,” adds Golden Incense.

  “I guess having positions of leadership is not what God has for us women,” says Joyful. “I think I’ll just serve in the nursery and let the men put out the fires.”

  “I can cook the Wednesday mid-week dinner,” says Beloved. “Everyone loves my tuna casserole.”

  “I think I’ll volunteer to clean the pastor’s study,” Long Suffering sadly says. “I guess that’s how I can contribute to the Kingdom.”

  “Well, we can all get together and have a prayer meeting each week. We’ll hold up the men in prayer as they are out doing powerful exploits,” says Golden Incense.

  Holy Spirit shouts, “No, don’t shut down and come under false submission and legalism. You want Master Potter’s fire. This is a deception. The Word says that My sons and daughters will prophesy. You are neither slave nor free, Jew nor Greek, male nor female. Each of you was called when you were in your mother’s womb with a special destiny. You are not limited because you are a woman. You are only limited by cultural and religious prejudice. Master Potter wants to use you powerfully to preach and teach the Word and move strategically in government, not only in the Church, but in the secular arena as well. You all have a great destiny in God.”

  PROPHETIC DESTINIES

  “Joyful, you were created to be a prophetic singer. You will take the music of Heaven and bring it to earth. I will give you rhythms and notes that will set captives free and bring great healing to families. You will write songs that will impact generations.”

  “Wow,” says Joyful, perking up.

  “Long Suffering, you have suffered much in your life and allowed those sufferings to work a depth of maturity and love in your heart. I have given you a love for the Word. I have called you to be a powerful teacher. You are one who digs up the gold buried in My Word and gives it as treasure to both men and women.”

  “I-I can’t believe it,” stammers Long Suffering.

  “Golden Incense, you are a prophetic intercessor for the nations, a freedom fighter! You will repent for the sins of the fathers, uncapping ancient wells of revival to open geographical areas. I will give you keys to unlock city gates and strategies to break curses from generational bloodlines that affect entire people groups and nations.”

  Golden Incense’s lid rattles in excitement, and she blows off several blasts of steam from her spout. “Did you hear that? I’m going to intercede for the nations, not just the men going out from here!”

  Beloved is excited for her friends, but tears well up in her eyes as she remembers her past failures. I’ll probably never reach my destiny since I have a Jezebel spirit. Bracing herself for bad news, she waits for Holy Spirit to speak.

  “Beloved, I am bringing you to a place of great authority, a place of kingly anointing. I’m training you to confront the Jezebel spirit, for I am calling and training you to the office of the prophet.

  “I will take you to the realm of the Spirit that goes into the places of principalities, powers and dominions of the air. I will show you strongholds over nations, and the enemy will scatter and tremble like the mountains as you bring down and release My purposes. I will show you My divine chessboard, and you will prophesy, putting the players into place. You will partner with Holy Spirit to move in manifest demonstrations of My power and authority. You will be My voice of fire.

  “The warfare that you are all up against right now will train and prepare you for your future. In the midst of the battle, I will teach you to hear My voice and be victorious over the enemy.”

  Beloved looks up weeping and Holy Spirit says, “There’s one more thing, Beloved. Your destiny is far bigger than tuna casserole.”

  The women hug, laugh and weep together as the spiritual restraint and deception are broken off. “Come on, ladies,” says Long Suffering. “There’s a war going on, and we’re needed in the battle. Let’s pray.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

  PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS

  The yellowish-green fire in the hearth casts haunting shadows across the once handsome face of the imposing Fire Chief, transforming it into the dark, grotesque face of Death. The dalmatian beside him barks ferociously and turns into the huge gargoyle-like figure of Suicide. Gurgling with evil delight, he taunts the deceived vessels.

  Sinister laughter fills the room as Death throws his head back in sadistic glee over his seemingly victorious quest. Picking up vessels who signed his policies, he violently throws them into his strange, morbid fire. Vomiting his damnation and ridicule of the duped vessels he spews, “You didn’t want the fire of Master Potter! So, how do you like mine?”

  The dark horde rudely shoves the vessels, knocking some off the shelves. They fall and break as casualties of war. The room fills with laughing, mocking devils that join together in an evil taunt. A sickening hysteria takes over the wicked celebration.

  PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

  Confident of his victory, Death orders his evil henchmen to move throughout the room to destroy any remaining intercessors. Huddled together in the back, Beloved and the newly inspired women intercessors rally the troops. “Fearless, Comrade, Harvester, we need your help. Get the others. We’re losing our friends.”

  Agonizing over the fate of the lost vessels, Beloved and her growing group of prayer warriors fervently cry out for Master Potter to come back before more vessels are lost to the evil lies of the enemy.

  Heavenly glory invades the room as their unrelenting prayers ascend to the throne. The Father releases His warring angels into the battle below. The angelic army explodes like fiery comets, showering glory and splendor. Charging through the atmosphere on the way to the Potter’s House, the mighty angels fight valiantly to overcome all demonic obstacles in their path, leaving a wake of black sulfuric carnage behind.

  The intercessors continue to cry out as the battle rages: “Forgive us Lord, for we let the fresh fire of Your love go out. Make our hearts fiery once again. We want shining, burning lives that reflect your glory so others will come to You.”

  Harvester quickly joins the group, and falling to his knees, pleads, “Master Potter, where are You? We need You!”

  “Help us to overcome the deception and unbelief that blinds them before it’s too late,” says Golden Incense. “So many have already fallen a
way and become prodigals, and the fires have gone out in their hearts.”

  Through tears, Comrade sobs, “Don’t let our friends be deceived and compromise their destinies.”

  As Death continues to torment and destroy the backslidden vessels, others join with Beloved and her friends as they battle to drive out their enemies. A powerful intercessory group is birthed, and their faith increases as they become united and focused, bringing frustration and confusion to the dark horde.

  Holy Spirit equips the growing number of prayer warriors with powerful strategic plans. “Don’t be afraid; I’m with you. Praying the Word and worshiping are your most formidable weapons against these dark powers.”

  Mobilized into an army of intercessory voices, they wield their swords and declare boldly, “Come, Holy Spirit! We cry out for the resurrection power of the Cross to take back the land and destroy demonic strongholds in our midst.”

  INVADED BY HEAVENLY GLORY

  Their prayers activate huge unseen angelic warriors, who enter and position themselves strategically throughout the Potter’s House. Fully armed and ready for battle, their fiery eyes search out the demonic horde.

  Shouts and prophetic declarations go forth like a mighty trumpet blast, breaking open the heavens as the vessels cry out, “In Master Potter’s name we break the power of the demonic hold and call forth the power of the Blood that defeated hell.”

  Valiant and the other guardian angels in the fireside room start to radiate with heavenly light as they eagerly join in the battle. The sounds of clashing swords and ferocious cries from the angelic warriors can be heard once again in the fireside room as they respond to the Father’s orders and battle on behalf of the vessels’ prayers.

  Suicide, tormented by the constant intercession and worship, relentlessly paces back and forth, cursing the angelic troops from the Father’s throne released by the fiery intercession. Before he can respond, a huge warring angel charges him, driving his sword through Suicide’s gnarly hide. Instantly, a gush of black sulfuric smoke pours out as the evil demon shrivels and becomes transformed into a small, sniveling dalmatian pup. With tail between its legs, it slinks away from the battle whimpering.

  Activated from the throne, the blazing pillar of wind and fire, which constantly connects Heaven and earth above the Potter’s House, descends into the fireside room. A formidable weapon, this mysterious heavenly whirlwind, this life-giving fire, engulfs the strange demonic fire and extinguishes it.

  Stark, cold terror grips Fear of Man and Law ’n Order as they are bound and swallowed up in the holy fire of vengeance. Terrified of being consumed by this heavenly glory, they shout blasphemous curses. Angelic warriors throw these strong men into outer darkness where they writhe and spew their agonizing groans.

  The unquenchable swirls of penetrating fire route the enemy forces with unstoppable glory. A deep, guttural growl escapes from Death’s jagged mouth as he sees his troops annihilated. Infuriated, he searches for the culprits, knowing his time is short. Tearing through the shelves in a horrendous rage, he blasphemes Master Potter until he triumphantly finds Beloved and her friends huddled in prayer.

  Lunging at her, he viciously snatches her up in his gnarled talons. He spews his foul breath into her face. “I knew it was you, Forsaken. You’ve been rescued for the last time. I have you now! You won’t cause us any more trouble! Your fate is the same as those I just threw into my fire.”

  As the heavenly glory increases, amazing peace settles over Beloved. She prays in the Spirit and enters into that secret place of refuge. Holy Spirit brings to remembrance the times when Master Potter rescued her from Death’s cruel grasp in the Potter’s Field and again outside Deeper Life.

  FIGHTING BACK

  A holy violence emerges from her spirit. Knowing that Death has already been defeated at the Cross, her voice becomes resolute. “My name is Beloved, and I belong to Master Potter.” She then proclaims, “You have been defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. You must leave—now!”

  The power of the Blood explodes into the room like a torrent. Death, in his horrendous frenzy to escape, hurls Beloved toward the hearth. She closes her eyes and screams in terror. “Master Potter, save me! I’m going to shatter.”

  Master Potter suddenly appears in front of the fireplace and catches Beloved in His loving arms.

  Frantically leading his screaming, terrorized horde through dark portals of escape, Death turns back to meet her eyes. In one last hellish challenge, he screeches, “I’m not finished with you yet, Forsaken!”

  Safe in Master Potter’s embrace, she sobs quietly as He tenderly tells her, “Well done, Beloved. I’m not finished with you either.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

  THE WARRIOR BRIDE

  A heavy blanket of radiant glory covers the room as the sweet fragrance of Master Potter saturates the atmosphere. Imparting peace to the frazzled vessels, He brings divine order to the chaotic shambles of the fireside room.

  The desperate cries of tormented vessels that were captured in the strange demonic fire draws His attention. “Master Potter, we’re sorry. Please rescue us. We want to return to You.”

  Excitement reverberates throughout the room as He snatches each one out of the fireplace. The vessels shout joyfully as He places their traumatized companions—the plates, cups, bowls and saucers—back on the shelves. Safe again, the happy vessels jump up and down, cheering Master Potter’s return.

  “Everything will be like it used to be. It’ll be like the good old days. Just like the good old days,” says Steadfast, smiling.

  THE GLORY FIRE

  Fresh wood is stacked in the hearth and ignited. Light and warmth fill every crevice and corner of the shelves as the grateful vessels snuggle once again in the comfort of Master Potter’s safety and protection.

  Chuckling, Master Potter says, “Well, I see you’ve had quite an adventure here.”

  Long Suffering smiles. “It was another test, wasn’t it? I knew it was a setup! I tried to tell them, but do you think they would listen to me?”

  Joyful dryly asks, “Is it time for refreshing now? I could use another drink!”

  Walking toward Beloved and the other intercessors, Master Potter commends them: “Father heard your prayers and released an angelic legion to rescue you from Death’s demonic horde. You’re learning to follow Holy Spirit’s promptings. I’m really proud of you. However, there was one thing: you could have defeated the enemy right away if you had been wearing your armor.”

  All the vessels groan and look chagrined.

  PRESSING ON TO THE HIGH CALL

  “Many vessels decide to camp out in My fireside room and are only fired once. They remain as privates in My army, sitting on the shelves as unsightly dry bisqueware under the shadows of the church system.”

  Pacing among the shelves, Master Potter sounds a challenge: “Where are My captains and My lieutenants? Where are My colonels and generals? Who will fight in My war against Satan’s diabolical troops? I have promotion for many of you, but you must be willing to go into the next firing—My higher glory fires!”

  Harvester stands at attention, clicks his heels together and salutes Master Potter. His deep voice bellows, “Right here, Sir. I’m right here! I’ll be Your general, Sir! I’m ready to decimate the enemy’s kingdom. Pass out the weapons! What’s the strategy? Where’s the battle plan? Sir, yes Sir!”

  Fearless and Comrade nod their heads and also salute. “Where’s our armor? We’re not going to war again without putting it on and wielding big swords.”

  Puffing up his chest, Fearless replies, “Follow me, men!”

  Comrade yells in his higher-pitched voice, “Let’s go take some territory right now!”

  Sweet Adoration watches the three vessels march around passing out combat boots and barking out orders. After a moment she yells, “Boys, I’ll take a size two please.”

  Beloved, joined by the delightful teapot, Golden Incense, is helping everyone get into
his or her armor.

  “Now don’t forget your shield, Steadfast. You’ll need it to stop the enemy’s fiery darts,” says Beloved.

  “Let me just tighten up your breastplate of righteousness,” Golden Incense says to Sweet Adoration.

  CREATING AIR COVER THROUGH PRAYER

  Master Potter tells them, “Your intercessory prayers provide air cover for My ground troops, enabling them to establish beachheads. At times you’ll soar high in the Spirit above the battlefield and do reconnaissance reporting on what the enemy is doing. At other times, you’ll be in the trenches holding ground or storming the hill. All of this is to save lost, dying souls and to reclaim cities and nations for Me.”

  Oh Lord, I want to help take territory. Will I be one of the foot soldiers? Going to battle on a big steed would be a lot easier, Beloved muses.

  “I need to practice my marching,” Comrade says as he and Joyful strut up and down the aisles. They grab Beloved’s arm to pull her along.

  Joyful and some of the musically gifted vessels grab drums and bugles as they sing and play, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war….”

  “Come on everyone, join in with us,” shouts Joyful.

  Watching all the hustle and bustle of His privates passing out weapons and making battle plans, Master Potter smiles and tells them, “Yes, strategic warfare is necessary, but you’ll never survive without a deep revelation of My love. I’m calling you to be My warrior Bride.”

  A HEAVENLY BRIDEGROOM KING

  The room is suddenly transformed as heavenly portals open ushering in realms of glory. Awed, the vessels slowly put down their drums and bugles when they hear the soft, celestial wedding music of flutes, harps and stringed instruments resounding from the heavens. As the beauty realm of the throne room opens to them, they see glimpses of rare unearthly colors and surges of radiant light, and they smell rare fragrances.