Everyday MattersThere's a reason for everyday.
Despite the bad and the good, everyday matters. |
5/17/2024
Fervent LoveFriday Matters- May 17, 2024
Everyday Fervent Love The enemy will never leave us alone, but we don’t have to let him bother us. That means we don’t react to unkind or bad behavior of others by hitting back or seeking revenge. Love is our highest calling but some people are so annoying who continue with bad behavior with no sign or willingness to change. Well, it is not love to ignore that behavior either. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us to above all things have intense love--to have a “fervent love” for one another. The Greek verb form of “fervent” when translated means "to be hot, to boil." Growing up my mom cooked and baked for eight on an old-fashioned blue enamel cook stove and even a fly knew not to land on the stove when it was hot. When our love is “HOT” or “boiling over” for those around us, it is also too hot for the devil to destroy. To fervently love someone means we are intent on giving and covering others in love and not taking offense over every trait that annoys us. God gives us this love and He will give us the strength to love others as He does…everyday. 5/16/2024
EmotionsThursday Matters- May 16, 2024
Emotional Sickness Ya know, how sometimes you get physically sick, like the flu and it's not because you're not reading the Bible enough or doing enough acts of service, you just get sick. Well sometimes you get emotionally sick and it’s not because you’re a “bad Christian.” There can be all kinds of factors that play into all kindness of sicknesses like lack of sleep, an infection, a damaged relationship and sometimes we need medication to get well. It’s okay. Remember that no matter what emotional or physical state you’re in, God loves you as you are. We’ll go through challenging seasons where it doesn't make sense but it’s in the hard places where we grow. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “that His strength is perfected in our weakness. “Sometimes the hardest thing to do is just let go and let God take care of us or by asking someone for help or taking medication. He works in many different ways and through many different people. In every place and time, He wants you to know how much He loves and values you…everyday. 5/15/2024
CompassionWednesday Matters- May 15, 2024
Everyday Compassion It was his first day back on the job after more than a year on disability leave due to a freak explosion in the plant that, among other injuries, left Rob legally deaf in both ears. But when Rob walked into the plant that morning several of his colleagues used sign language to say; “Great to see you Rob,” “Welcome back” and “We missed you.” It turns out that nine of his colleagues got together and took a sign language course, just like he did, over the several months he was absent. They did this so they could easily communicate with him when he returned. This kind of compassion truly shows that people are what life is all about. Only people last forever and the way we treat others is the legacy we leave behind. I can’t help but think of that verse in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that says that with the compassion and love God’s shown to us; we too can show that to others…everyday. 5/14/2024
Corrie ten BoomTuesday Matters- May 14, 2024
Everyday Corrie ten Boom Corrie Ten Boom along with her Sister Betsy hid a number of Jews during the Holocaust and both were caught and sent to a Concentration Camp. Amazingly Corrie managed to smuggle in a Bible and held Bible studies in the barracks. God’s Word changed the lives it touched in a powerful way despite the circumstances. Corrie was obedient to Ephesians 5:20; “Give thanks for all things,” but she wrote in her book; “God, I can thank You for almost everything, but I can’t thank You for the lice.” Still, she obeyed and realized it was the lice that prevented the guards from coming into the barracks where the Bible was. When I began to trust God and His Word (The Bible), God began to change me. Thanking God for my husband’s cancer seemed goofy at the time but now I see the many blessings that occurred during that season years ago. God is always on the move working and redeeming ALL things no matter how difficult they may be. He is always good…everyday. 5/13/2024
PrideMonday Matters-May 13, 2024
Everyday Pride I was stinky. Oh, I had taken a shower, but I had pride and pride stinks. Pride is difficult to deal with because we don’t think we have it. I notice my stink most when I have zero patience with someone who’s hurt me. In the Bible in James 4:10 I read to ask God to humble me so I can see the other as He does. He then promises to lift me in hope. The signs of pride include an unwillingness to admit fault or take responsibility for our actions. Pride wants to do all the talking and none of the listening. Yeah, I know you’re probably thinking of someone who needs to hear this, but perhaps it’s you! God gets you. He sees the hurt. I get you because I’ve been there. Are you still screaming? Maybe it’s time to stop and listen.” Humility and surrender to God will set you free and you’ll be a sweet fragrance for everyone to be around…everyday. 5/10/2024
ExpectationsFriday Matters- May 10, 2024
Everyday Expectations When you have a relationship with God, and you know you’re one of His kids. We can rest and be certain of His faithfulness. In the Bible in 1 Thessalonians 5, hear this; “God, Who calls you, is faithful.” I think the thing that is so amazing and hard for us to wrap our heads around is how much God loves us for who we are and not for where we should be. In religion it’s about what you do and with Jesus it’s about who you are. It’s a relationship with no condemnation and unconditional love. Hey sign me up! There are so many times I have had expectations of someone and then disappointments because they weren’t who I thought or maybe my expectations were unrealistic. BUT GOD is that Friend who is always all-knowing and powerful but also so patient and gracious and at times when I least deserve. God never changes. I may change and so too others in my life, but God never does…everyday. 5/9/2024
Serving OthersThursday Matters- May 9, 2024
Everyday Serve Honestly, I think the best way to help yourself is by serving others. I like working as a waitress at age 57 a few times a month. It’s community and connection and it helps me. When Mother Teresa was asked how she was able to minister to so many people she replied, “I simply serve the person God puts in front of me.” Love and serve the people God puts in front of YOU each day. I realized that if I wanted to be known and loved for who I am, I first had to be honest and vulnerable so I could fully share who I am with others. I’ve found that the part of you you're most afraid to share is, more than likely, the part others have been waiting with bated breath to see. To be seen vulnerably is a risk, but it’s one worth taking because it allows others to be vulnerable too. Focus on the people God puts in front of you each day. You make a difference by taking the time to listen and connect with others…everyday. 5/8/2024
Be KindWednesday Matters- May 8, 2024
Everyday Gentle Answer Sometimes I talk too much. Even if I’m talking about good things, it’s still better if I follow the advice of Proverbs 10:19; “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” I know that the mouth that blesses, praises and prays can also irritate, hurt and harm. I remember a time I was home from college and having a heated argument with my dad, who’s an unbeliever. I was so frustrated, and I wanted to lash out and say something to prove my point but from experience I knew my brilliant but angry words would not change a thing. It’s crazy but I actually said aloud Proverbs 15:1; “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It was weird but the argument stopped immediately, as soon as I spoke the Proverb. God had the last Word. My prayer is Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to God in every way...everyday. 5/7/2024
Flesh DesiresTuesday Matters- May 7, 2024
Everyday Flesh I have a strong will. I’m sure someone listening right now can totally relate to the fact that while our spirits may be strong and willing our flesh fails us time and time again. The flesh does not conquer the spirit. The flesh is weak - as Jesus said - and the flesh is a stumbling block to our spirit. What I eat or drink can be good or the amount of time I spend scrolling on social media has its place but when my flesh dominates, I don’t eat, drink or spend time on social media in a way that is healthy for my spirit. Jesus tells us we do not "watch and pray". My prayer is this simple, “God You’re stronger and You live in me. Help me to follow You in Spirit and in truth and not by my flesh. Sharing areas of weaknesses with someone also helps for accountability and strength too. Jesus is for you and He’s not mad at you when you do fall. He will help you get back up. He loves you and He’ll never give up on you …everyday. 5/6/2024
God’s PowerMonday Matters-May 6, 2024
Everyday Power Ranger I met a Power Ranger, the blue one, and he’s name is Michael Copon. I met him at a conference I attended in North Carolina for actors in faith-based movies and television. In 2001, Copon portrayed the Blue Power Ranger, Lucas Kendall, on the Power Rangers Time Force television series. He, of course went on to do many projects but as Michael grew closer to God, he wanted to make decisions that where honoring to Him over making money. He’s now a producer/director of faith-based film projects and at the conference he shared about his faith and following his dream but more importantly following God. Turns out Michael the Power Ranger is a sinner like me, but he’s redeemed because of God love and grace. We’re all sinners and fall short. And maybe you have a messy past, but God can use your mess as your ministry. Listen to 1 John 1:9; “If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” So, think about how our kidneys work in our bodies, continuously cleansing us from impurities. So, we can all, by the power of Holy Spirit, be powerful rangers of God’s grace…everyday. |
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