Everyday Matters
Friday Matters
Everyday New You
“Are you kidding? With the kind of history and past you’ve had… well good luck thinking you can overcome it.”
Everyday New You
“Are you kidding? With the kind of history and past you’ve had… well good luck thinking you can overcome it.” That’s hard stuff to swallow because not only is it hurtful but it’s untrue. Sometimes the voices from our past tell us we’ll never really have a meaningful life because of our mistakes or because of the things that have been done. Listening to those voices are lies. When we accept God in a real and personal relationship, He pays the price for our past messes and PROMISES to work ALL things for the good.
In the Bible, 2 Corinthians reads that with Christ our old life is gone and a new life begins. We are new creatures in Christ. God is greater than our past. The enemy liar will always try and mess with you. Carry on and know that with Jesus in you there’s power that causes the enemy to shake in his boots. I like to remind this the enemy (and say aloud); “Enemy you’re messin’ with the wrong girl. I’m God’s girl” …everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday The Mom
“Perhaps you’ve never entered into the teen zone of angry and angrier, but I have. I was there.
Everyday The Mom
“Perhaps you’ve never entered into the teen zone of angry and angrier, but I have. I was there. What’s crazy is that our anger can actually stem from love. We see the bad choices our teen is making, and we just want them to stop and listen, so we yell and then they yell. It goes from bad to worse.
The book of James says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry because man’s anger doesn’t produce the righteous life God desires.” I like how the message Bible delivers James 1; “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re a listener when you’re anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! For starters it means listening to Proverbs 14:17; “She who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly.” God can take care of you and your teen. Let go, stop yelling and don’t give up…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Good News
What’s the message out there? I know…right? That’s a loaded question. There are a lot of messages “out there.”
Everyday Good News
What’s the message out there? I know…right? That’s a loaded question. There are a lot of messages “out there.” But there’s one message that I’ve become more passionate about sharing lately.
Okay this is IT. The message of Jesus is to LOVE and forgive others, which you can only do once you have seen your bad self and accepted His forgiveness. I have accepted this GIFT even though what I feel and see in me is often wrong, unfair, hurtful, and judgmental and to make it worse, there’s always more where that comes from. But again, that IS why Jesus died for us. He paid MY debt and forgave all my sin. When He died every sin we commit, all future ones, (like tomorrow’s sins) can be forgiven. I think this is why they call the Gospel, Good News which is actually great news. The fresh new hope and grace you can get each day is a gift of never-ending love and grace…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Flower Love
I still remember the “just because I care” flowers from my husband sent a few years ago.
Everyday Flower Love
I still remember the “just because I care” flowers from my husband sent a few years ago. I had called my husband at his office to lament about some unresolved drama that I had …so Dan told me to come to his office. I did. But… then out of nowhere a “stress arrow” hit my husband and he began speaking from his book of Lamentations. He began talking about our finances, his workload, and health stuff. It was unusual for me, but I sat SILENTLY and prayed while tears ran down my cheeks.
I left the office with a hug and knew that everything would work out and be okay. An hour later a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived and a card from my husband saying, “I love you.” At the same moment a friend called and said, “I was praying and thought you might need to talk.” That’s JUST like God, supplying what we need when we need it…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday What God Says
How do you view yourself? Do you think about what God sees or what others see?
Everyday What God Says
How do you view yourself? Do you think about what God sees or what others see? It’s definitely a process to be able to hear God’s voice and listen to Him alone. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. When I got my eyes off of how I looked I began to truly see myself the way God saw me. THEN I was like; “Where should I go, who should I meet, and “How can I serve?” Prior to that I made wonderful plans and then asked God, “Bless what I’ve decided is good.”
God is not a Genie in a Bible. It’s not about saying the correct verses and doing super good deeds, it’s about trusting God’s faithfulness and believing He knows the best plan for your life. God loves us for who we are and not for what we do. He gives us purpose with the gifts He’s given us simply because He loves us…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Free Will
It all comes down to free will. We have a choice to choose good and evil actions.
Everyday Free Will
It all comes down to free will. We have a choice to choose good and evil actions. I have made bad choices whether it was telling a lie or stealing but I have also had the same bad happen to me, someone lying and stealing from me.
C.S. Lewis said, “If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. I have to really stop and think about that but it’s true. It’s the freedom of choice that makes love real. Being forced to love God is not real love at all. It goes back to the basics of what being a Christian is. Accept God’s love, His grace and HIS work on the cross. It’s not about our good works. When we understand His grace, we can really start loving others freely…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Wives
I don’t want to be like Rebekah who said to Isaac in Genesis 27:46; “What good will my life be to me if Jacob takes wives such as Esau did with these Hittite women (women who didn’t know the living God)?
Everyday Wives
I don’t want to be like Rebekah who said to Isaac in Genesis 27:46; “What good will my life be to me if Jacob takes wives such as Esau did with these Hittite women (women who didn’t know the living God)?” Once my husband Dan began a relationship with Christ, he didn’t see the point in dating, so he prayed very specifically to God for a wife. Three years after this prayer, God answered, and Dan got me! Because God knew both our hearts, He matched us together perfectly. I know, without a doubt, that the prayers of my great grandfather and other family members played a significant part in bringing my husband Dan and I together.
When our four sons where young, before school I made it a practice to put my hand on each their heads and pray for their future wives. I wanted them to also have the assurance that God chose someone specifically for them to spend their lives with…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday God Understands Fairness
God is bigger. We may know this in our heart but it’s acting it out like we believe it that makes the difference. One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who isn’t’ sorry for what they’ve done cuz “it’s so not fair!”
Everyday God Understands Fairness
God is bigger. We may know this in our heart but it’s acting it out like we believe it that makes the difference. One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who isn’t’ sorry for what they’ve done cuz “it’s so not fair!” And because it’s not fair we want them to know how wrong they are. What does God want? Go to 1 Peter 3:9 and read; “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That’s what God asks, and He’ll bless you for it.”
Do you think God tells us to be good to those who’ve hurt us just because He wants to watch us suffer? No. The enemy works through people to hurt us and if we end up hating that person because they’ve hurt us then Satan’s job has been accomplished two times over. But if we respond with love then we’ve gotten Satan back and he’ll wish he never laid a finger on our lives…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday God is Home in Us
Life is hard. The earth experience is hard. It is not our home. Hard stuff for us all is stuff like forgiving those who never apologize or a health report that is terminal.
Everyday God is Home in Us
Life is hard. The earth experience is hard. It is not our home. Hard stuff for us all is stuff like forgiving those who never apologize or a health report that is terminal. Yet we can live free because the moment we receive Christ we are filled with the Holy Spirit with the potential to live a life of victory over fear, and struggles like forgiving others. This potential is released by faith as we surrender control over our lives. Look at 2 Timothy 1:14….the Holy Spirit makes His home in us and will lead by peace and wisdom as He speaks to our hearts.
In the Old Testament (in Ezekiel), God’s promised the day would come when He would give people a new heart and put His Sprit within them. Under the old covenant, the Holy Spirit only came upon people for special purposes, but He did not live inside them as He does when we know Him personally. This is AMAZING, so seek His control in my life, are you…everyday?
Monday Matters
Everyday Humility
Remember that song, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in everyday way?” We laugh cuz like yeah right,
Everyday Humility
Remember that song, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in everyday way?” We laugh cuz like yeah right, “as if.” But sometimes we’re so busy pointing out the faults of others that we don’t take time to look at our own that we need to address. My mentor friend Barb wrote, “True humility is not a denial of your positive attributes. It isn’t a humble person who says, “I’m not good at anything.”
This is an expression of pride which says, “Look at poor me. I just have to have special consideration because I’m so weak. Please pity me...treat me well.” On the contrary, the truly humble person recognizes their strengths and weaknesses and so rather than a concentration on yourself, humility leads you to look around you for opportunities to encourage and help others.” When you understand humility that way it helps you to be confident in the gifts God’s given you rather than feeling bad about what you don’t have. Happy and free people are humble people…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday God Feels
“No one understands what I’m going through and it’s not fair.” Does that sound familiar?
Everyday God Feels
“No one understands what I’m going through and it’s not fair.” Does that sound familiar? Yet we can read in Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus experienced every emotion and suffered every feeling you and I do BUT He did it without sin! He didn’t give in to His negative feelings because He KNEW GOD, He is God. You and I will never be able to say “no” to our feelings if we don’t have within us a strong knowledge of who God is and how much He loves us.
When my feelings are hurt by someone the best thing I can do is talk to God; “Jesus, do You see what’s happening here and what I’m feeling! Thank You for not condemning me for feeling this way. Help me to forgive and not pay back the person who’s hurt me.” I pray THAT all the time. God knows. He understands. God is able to work with us and our feelings… everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Husband Searching
My husband Dan did not become a Christian until he in his 20’s and in college. He never grew up going to church so in college he wanted to know if there was a God.
Everyday Husband Searching
My husband Dan did not become a Christian until he in his 20’s and in college. He never grew up going to church so in college he wanted to know if there was a God. He studied the religions of the world and THEN saw the uniqueness of Jesus. Jesus claims to be the way, not just show the way. And there is an enormous difference in religion, and the forever-relationship Jesus offers. It’s not based on what we do but what He’s done. ALL religions require us to do something or sacrifice to please God so we can earn heaven.
Most religions are intolerant of people who disagree with them. Some even hate and want to hurt those who disagree. Jesus' message is just the opposite He says, "Let your love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold on to what is good." "Love your enemies" not just tolerate them. What? The message of Jesus is to LOVE and forgive others, which you can only do once you have seen your bad self and accepted His forgiveness…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Anxiety Thanks
I trust God’s love, so I really try to obey what He asks from the Bible. But wow is Ephesians 5:20 a difficult scripture to follow;
Everyday Anxiety Thanks
I trust God’s love, so I really try to obey what He asks from the Bible. But wow is Ephesians 5:20 a difficult scripture to follow; “Give thanks FOR all things?!” Nevertheless, I had an amazing experience when applying this for a very difficult circumstance.
Visiting a friend two years ago at the Mayo Clinic I had a huge anxiety attack alone in the hallway with hyper-ventilating…the whole works. Driving home the next day I heard God say, “Thank Me for the attack.” “What craziness was this?” I kinda laughed but did it anyway; “Thank You God for the anxiety attack.” I said it once but as I continued to repeat and thank Him for something so awful I began to sense His great love for me. The more I thanked Him the more I felt enveloped by His love, so I also added, “You’re so nice to me.” I was so overwhelmed by His presence that I had to pull over because I was crying so hard. His ways are often my “whys?” But His ways always bring peace…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Armor of God
I have to constantly remind myself who the enemy is. It’s not other people like we so often think (not that the enemy doesn’t use people because he does) but he’s the real enemy.
Everyday Armor of God
I have to constantly remind myself who the enemy is. It’s not other people like we so often think (not that the enemy doesn’t use people because he does) but he’s the real enemy. Satan’s everyday goal is for our destruction to break up relationships, friendships, families and marriages. God tells us in Ephesians 6 that our armor isn’t gonna just jump on us but that we have to put it on. So, let’s look at what it is:
1) Helmet of Salvation-We are covered by Christ’s blood & we need to protect our thoughts
2) Belt of Truth-To combat the lies of the enemy
4) Shoes of Peace-We can receive peace no matter what
5) Shield of Faith-Holding on to God’s promises in faith no matter what happens
6) The Sword of the Spirit/The Word of God-This weapon is defensive & offensive.
Put on the full armor of God and you will have victory and be able to overcome the enemy because God is greater…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Love Enemies
God will never stop pursing you no matter how far you run and no matter what you do or don’t do. His heart breaks when we choose to do things that hurt ourselves or others.
Everyday Love Enemies
God will never stop pursing you no matter how far you run and no matter what you do or don’t do. His heart breaks when we choose to do things that hurt ourselves or others. That is why He commands us in Matthew 5:44 to; “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
What? How does that make sense? Well, God created us in His image, and we are His children when we receive Him. He loves so just because someone is your enemy doesn’t mean they’re God’s. They’re His lost child, and He wants them back. Yes, there are circumstances where we’re called to face the bully, the tyrant and say, “No more,” and fight back. But not out of revenge. God is not willing that any be condemned, but that all come to repentance. His great love says, “Confess to me your sins, turn back to Me. Nothing can separate My love from you.” This earth is temporary, and heaven is forever. Choose Love, receive love and follow Him…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Forgiveness in Friendship
“I forgive you, but I can’t be friends with you.” This makes sense if the person continues with unchanged harmful behavior, but it doesn’t make sense to reject friendship if the person has repented and changed.
Everyday Forgiveness in Friendship
“I forgive you, but I can’t be friends with you.” This makes sense if the person continues with unchanged harmful behavior, but it doesn’t make sense to reject friendship if the person has repented and changed. 1 John 1:9 is God’s promise that He completely cleanses us and removes our sins when we admit and confess them. My yucky sin prevents me from being friends with God, but when I admit and confess my sin, He promises to remove the barrier that was blocking our relationship.
When I forgive someone, the barrier is lifted so reconciliation can begin. I need to start by treating the person with complete kindness as Jesus does with me. If I’m the offender I start with; “I’m sorry” followed by asking myself and God; “What does this person need to help for the pain I’ve caused? And how should I change to make this person’s life easier in some way. The only way for this true forgiveness is by the power of the Holy Spirit working in me…everyday.”
Thursday Matters
Everyday Anxiety Experience
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things.
Everyday Anxiety Experience
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things. I sometimes get these crazy anxious thoughts and then have a physical response by having an anxiety attack, but courage is to go forward despite it. I know I need to turn to God 100% to get to the other side.
Turning toward God and from the direction you were going is what “repent” means. In God’s holiness He must punish sin but, in His love, He didn’t want to punish us. Christ proclaims our infinite worth and His eternal love for us aside from any human standard, even our own. We will live forever in a community of equals – saints and sinners, all, saved by grace. Remember Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Our temporary imperfection is a quality which actually connects us to others rather than a secret shame which sets us apart. I still get anxiety attacks, but in faith I trust Christ…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Mother Lament
I called a friend for a favor and while talking to her I sensed deep heaviness and hurt in her spirit. When I questioned her, she shared that she was going through a very difficult time with her two oldest children.
Everyday Mother Lament
I called a friend for a favor and while talking to her I sensed deep heaviness and hurt in her spirit. When I questioned her, she shared that she was going through a very difficult time with her two oldest children. I knew she had been dealing with some sad and difficult issues, but I was just baffled why God had allowed so much time to go by without fixing the situation. “Why her God, I wondered, she is so good, and she loves You so much?”
I prayed for her as she cried and then remembered the verses, I had just read from Lamentations Chapter 3 and knew they would encourage my friend, so I shared, “The Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.” There is no pat answer for all our hurting “whys” but there is always hope in a God who cares…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is. But often a person acting in sin can’t see the truth of how what they’re doing is not only hurting themselves but also others around them.
Everyday Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is. But often a person acting in sin can’t see the truth of how what they’re doing is not only hurting themselves but also others around them. C.S. Lewis in, The Great Divorce says sin is like an itch that needs to be scratched. At first, it’s small but the more it’s scratched the better it feels. After a while the itch becomes less, but you actually long to have it back. Sin is that way, when you aren't satisfied by it anymore, you still long to have it. Only God can take that desire away.
Sin costs us and the real loss isn’t just on earth but the loss of eternal life if unrepentant. Good news is that if we change our ways and accept God’s grace, we have life, which is what 1 John 5:12 talks about with repentance which is simply turning from our ways as Director of our lives to His direction and this always brings true freedom, forgiveness and life now and into eternity…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Courage Forward
I kept the email written by an attendee who was at an event I spoke at. Carrie shared, “I love what you shared about speaking of God’s peace amidst the feelings. I know what you mean about moving forward despite feeling afraid.
Everyday Courage Forward
I kept the email written by an attendee who was at an event I spoke at. Carrie shared, “I love what you shared about speaking of God’s peace amidst the feelings. I know what you mean about moving forward despite feeling afraid. I took your example and spoke aloud to God is weekend as I said "I receive Your Grace Lord. You are my sufficiency.” Courage is stepping forward despite what you may feel. Carrie continued, “I've thought about this all weekend amidst my nervous stomach as a family looked at our house today and wondered if they would make an offer. But in faith I know and trust God in the way, we as a family, go forward.” The Lord is our Deliverer and He is our hope.
The earth experience is hard. It’s not our home or final destination as believers who trust in the promises of God. C. S. Lewis wrote, "the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." Keep on keeping on. Life is unfair but God is always good…everyday.