Friday Matters

Everyday Significant

What makes you feel important loved or even liked? How often do you check the “likes” on your Instagram or Facebook post? I know. Been there. Done that. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. But REALLY the place I feel the most love is when I know who I am and whose I am. I’m God’s girl. You see, He loves all of you and He LONGS to have you rid yourself of the garbage and dirt that makes you feel ashamed or unloved. We’re so important and significant to God. He gets us, gives us gifts to have purpose and He never stops loving us.

Jesus instructs that we’re to be willing to accept ourselves as least in importance. The least is a symbol of those who have the lowest places in society; but Jesus concern was that these should not be treated as inferior (Matthew 18:10). He was well aware of their feelings of shame, and because of their humility and His compassion they were of REALLY great value, just like you…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Hard Places

Psalm 62:8 tell us to trust in God at all times. It teaches us that we are not to have faith in God just once in a while, but at all the times. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. It is easy to trust God when things are going well. But when things are not going well, we develop character by trusting God in our difficult situations. And the more character we develop. the more our ability can be released. Stability releases ability.

Many people have gifts that take them to places where their character cannot keep them. Gifts are given but character is developed. I have always been a communicator and a convincer. But in order for God to use my gifts as a speaker not only does He have to give me the gift, but I also have to have the character so that He can trust me to use my mouth to communicate His Word and heart and living loving Him in my private life as well as publicly…everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday Training

Sometimes don’t you feel like you’ve been wandering in the wilderness for an awful long time and it’s high time things should start looking brighter? I’ve been there. And what helps me is to understand that the trials I’m facing are like tests given in a course that God has allowed to prepare me for my future. The class in the wilderness is not easy but knowing that God had to first approve what’s happening to me and it’s also no surprise to Him, helps me to understand the scriptures which say; “He who began a good work in you will complete it so rejoice in your trials because they’ll produce character which will bring you hope.”

God permits Satan to contest the believer. We’re given these tests to train us so that by Isaiah 45:3 we will be given treasures hidden in the darkness. But let’s remember the rest of the verse; “He will do this so we may know that He’s the Lord, the One who calls us by name…everyday.”

Tuesday Matters

Everyday Relationship

If one of my four sons were to say, “My mom is pretty religious,” I’d be bugged. I don’t practice a religion; I have a relationship with God. Jesus defined what a relationship with God is when He said in Matthew 16:24, “If you want to be a follower of Mine, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me.” Surrendering my strong will to do God’s will isn’t always easy but it’s always worth it. God loves me. He fully knows me, and He fully loves, and He know what’s best.

God not only sees the big picture, but He sees the whole picture. Can you see why religion is so irrelevant to God? Having a relationship requires us to be intentional, to spend time getting to know someone and with God it’s about knowing the Bible because He is the Word Himself. Going to church is an activity that is important for community and accountability but if it’s a religious activity then it’s based upon rules whereas a relationship is about knowing Jesus intimately and personally…everyday.

Monday Matters

Everyday What Road?

There’s only one road to God? What? That’s narrow minded. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. You’re right, it sounds narrow but through a relationship with Jesus, not religion, it becomes clear that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. There are amazing people who love others but think there are many roads to God and that true spirituality is just to love your neighbor and help the poor.

How then do you know when you’ve given enough to get to God? What about the people who’ve been taught to hate? Are the poor just virtuous? That sounds right, but listen, if a soldier drapes his body over a grenade to save his friends, we recognize it as a sacrifice. Something we honor, but not something we can pay him back for. The same is true with Jesus. We can’t earn our salvation. It’s a gift we receive by accepting the sacrifice Christ made to pay for our sins and trusting the path He sets before us…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday One Road

There’s only one road to God? What? But that view is narrow minded. You’re right, it is narrow but through a relationship with Jesus, not religion, it becomes clear that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. There are amazing people who love others but think there are many roads to God and that true spirituality is just to love your neighbor and help the poor.

How then do you know when you’ve given enough to get to God? What about the people who’ve been taught to hate? Are the poor just virtuous? That sounds right, but listen, if a soldier drapes his body over a grenade to save his friends, we recognize it as a sacrifice. Something we honor, but not something we can pay him back for. The same is true with Jesus. We can’t earn our salvation. It’s a gift we have a choice to receive by accepting Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Trust the path He sets and what He’s done for you and then walk in full freedom…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Joy of Heart

I wish Ecclesiastes 5:20 was true for me all of the time, “For she will not much remember the days of her life because God keeps her occupied with joy in her heart.” It’s crazy how much of my past mistakes I still trip on and recall. Walking to my car the other day I recalled a time when I was under the influence of alcohol and said things I shouldn’t have. I sighed deeply with regret and then heard God clearly say, “Debbie, I have forgiven and forgotten this offense. You’re choosing to recall it.” He was right, of course. I still can’t fathom God’s complete forgiveness in life.

When you enjoy the gift of God’s grace in your life, you’re better able to live free of insecurities. You live with hope and are better able to think about what is good and worthy of praise instead of the sorrows from your past. Don’t view your calling as a drudgery but take pleasure in the calling where God puts you. A cheerful spirit is a great blessing; it makes employment easy, and afflictions light…everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday God’s Memory

God is perfect. His memory is perfect. When God remembers people, plans, and promises, He works in a way that aligns with his faithfulness. He remembered Noah when he acted in accordance with the promise to protect his family and saved him from the flood. He remembered Rachel in her barrenness and gave her a child according to His covenant to make Abraham’s family a great nation. God’s people frequently call Him to remember them according to His steadfast love.

Yet, God doesn’t remember our sins when we receive His forgiveness. God ceasing to remember our sin is not voluntary amnesia. But, in His mercy, He does not act against us according to our sin. When the Lord forgives, He does not call our sins to mind to punish or berate us. I can remember my sin and others will, but God actively chooses not to.

He removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. He doesn’t hold our sins against us, and He treats us as if we never sinned. This is incredibly gracious and absolutely amazing…everyday.

Tuesday Matters

Everyday Dreams

When we look at things only in the natural world, we will always be defeated. How do I know? Let me tell you a story about spies. In the Bible in the book of Numbers, Chapter 13, God told twelves spies to go into a foreign land and discover who was living there, then come back and report. Ten spies reported, “Great land, but the people are too big, too powerful, we saw it all.”  Two of the twelve spies disagreed and said, “If God is pleased with us, He will give us this land.” Two different reports … one saw the reality, the other saw God. Faith is the reality of things hoped for and the evidence of the unseen.

If all we see is the reality, we will never take a risk to conquer, with courage, the land of our dreams. But it’s important that the dream I have is God’s will for my life too. God recently reminded me of Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established". This verse encourages trusting in God's guidance and plan, rather than solely relying on my own efforts or plans…everyday.

Monday Matters

Everyday Healthy Marriage

Marriage is not always happy, but it can be healthy. The reason it's not always happy is because what happens isn't always good. There are circumstances, people or problems that can be very challenging. But despite hard issues you can have hope, peace and have a healthy marriage. My husband, Dan and I, have had our share of arguments, fights, and disappointments but through it all we share a love of God.

We share a commitment and an understanding to listen to one another with honor and respect. Yet, even with that shared commitment we still fail and fall but thankfully we get back up. It’s by God's grace we can extend kindness that may not feel deserving. It’s following Colossians 3:13-14, "Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever you have a complaint. Forgive just as the Lord has forgiven you. AND to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity."

So, while you may not be able to have always a happy marriage you can certainly have a healthy and hopeful marriage... everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Mother Teresa

It’s so much easier to point out what’s wrong with everybody else rather than look at our own junk to clean up. We all need help which is why our first step toward reconciliation is to confess our sins, receive God’s pardon and walk forward in a relationship with Jesus.

We cannot do anything to merit grace, and yet we look at someone like Mother Teresa and think surely, she entered into heaven because of what she did. If we emulate her sacrificial love in some small fashion, we are lulled into a false sense of security that persuades us that we have no need of repentance today. When the little saint humbly confessed her brokenness and her desperate need for God, either we were uncomprehending, or we secretly suspect her of false modesty. Real love, real grace, receive it and then walk forward and give the same to others…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Deep Waters

“I honestly don’t think I can make it through another day. I just don’t.” Ever feel like that? So, the storm in your life is of hurricane proportions because maybe its finances, or failed marriage. You FEEL overwhelmed, like you might drown. Perhaps you have a burning pain in your heart because your child is addicted to drugs or maybe it’s an aging parent who can’t remember who you are. You may FEEL consumed by these fiery trials. Your feelings are valid. BUT the truth is you'll come through. He sees. He knows. He cares.

He speaks a promise from Isaiah 43:2, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." And perhaps what you’re going through is not about breaking you but about the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. God often uses bad things for a later good…everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday Lord’s Prayer

How should you pray? Looking to the Bible for that answer we find a great answer with reading the Lord’s Prayer. I sometimes like the Message Bible translation for its relatable language. Matthew 6: The Lord’s Prayer; "Here's what to do: Find a quiet place and just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. Pray simply: Our Father in heaven, reveal who You are. Set the world right; Do what's best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! You're ablaze in beauty. That’s the kind of sincere prayer that’ll make a difference…everyday!

Tuesday Matters

Everyday Deepest Longings

“Where are you looking to satisfy your deepest desires and longings?” John 4 tells of the women at the well with whom Jesus spoke. She had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband, yet Jesus doesn't give her a lecture on immorality. He spoke to her about her thirst. Someone shared this quote referring to John 7; "Christ enters the ‘Tuckered Towns’ of the world, stands at the intersection of ‘Worn-Out Avenue’ and ‘Done-In Street’ and compels, ‘If you are thirsty, come to Me! If you believe in Me, come and drink!’ For the scriptures declare that rivers of living waters will flow out from within."

Only Jesus can satisfy that ache in your heart. If you're eating the junk food of the self-centered life, you'll never be satisfied. God is in the filling business, and He wants to satisfy your deepest desires. He can fill your emptiness. Look to Him. He will bring you fulfillment and hope…everyday.

Monday Matters

Everyday To Be Loved

I remember a discussion with girlfriends’ right out of college and the advice was given, “Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.” Another friend, who had been through a few relationships added, “Debbie, you become who you choose to spend the most time with. Choose wisely.” Girlfriend added, “I mean, if I line up all my ex-loves in a row, I can see the flow chart of my mental illness.” Advice taken.

In life’s journey we all want to be known and loved, and Jesus knows us better than anyone and still loves us. He knows me, my pain, my ache, my disappointments, my shame, anger at myself and the part of my heart that hasn’t fully forgiven others. He knows. HE IS here, waiting to make use of what has happened. He is always on the move. He isn’t wasting time, thinking about all the trouble He has with us or how awful we feel about where we are with ourselves and our troubles. God loves us unconditionally…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Kidneys

It’s been ten years since Brenda’s best friend, Susan, became ill and needed a kidney transplant. Brenda was a fitting donor and chose to donate one of her healthy kidneys to Susan even after doctors said her chance of survival was only 30%, and that there would be inherent risks to Brenda’s health as well. So, imagine the joy of Brenda getting ready to drive to her best friend’s wedding where she would be her maid of honor as Susan married the love of her life. Susan happened to meet her Prince at the hospital ten years ago when she received her transplant.

Proverbs 13 tells us that when a longing is fulfilled, we have life. The “what ifs” never get us anywhere. It’s like one of my favorite posters which reads; “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.” What gets us somewhere is living life with a transplant of hope in believing there’s something good coming…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Feelings

I just stared at my journal looking at the verse I had written down from Psalm 139:5, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” I didn’t believe it. I was feeling sorry for myself and God felt far away so I slammed my journal shut.

We have a choice on what we think on and I was making bad choices. I felt my circumstances weren’t fair and I was tired of waiting. I know where the “Poor Me” road leads so out of obedience I put on fun music and said the verse aloud, “God I trust You and that You place Your hand of blessing is on my head.” It wasn’t an immediate shift in my attitude but the choice to think on what I knew was true and then names things aloud that I was thankful for, made a difference. The truth is, God loves you right where you’re at, no matter how you’re feeling …everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday Alter Call

You want to look up but you can’t because the burden you’re carrying is so heavy and you feel strange because the alter call at church was about going forward to pray for a prodigal child and your kids are all in church wondering, “What’s wrong with mom?” Others come forward to pray with those in front but I sat alone. Then suddenly, a woman, who could be described as the exact opposite of me, gentle and quiet, put her arm around me.

It was quiet and not a word was said but gradually more tears started rolling down my face and then I started to sob. This woman gave the love and understanding of Jesus, who also wept with loss and felt alone. She put her arms around me and just sat with me because she knew what my heart must be feeling. Jesus waits with us, sees our tears and cries with us. Sometimes He sends just the right person He can work through to meet us in our need…everyday.

Tuesday Matters

Everyday Backbone

I don’t sew, bake or volunteer for craft projects at school. I could feel like a lousy mom because don’t the good moms have all of those skills? But let’s try and remember that God doesn’t make mistakes and He created us uniquely and for a specific purpose. Sure, we get stuck wishing we were someone else or had their skills but how productive is that? How about we try this: If you experience a setback or failure don’t fall apart but believe God will use the experience to train you for the next step. Look at Ephesians 3:12 and we read that through faith in God, we can approach Him with freedom and confidence. He loves us. “Plenty of people have wishbone but there are too few with not enough backbone.” “Wishbone is wishing you were like somebody else, and backbone is going forward in confidence with the gifts God’s given you.

Once we’re rooted and established in His love, we move forward in freedom to be best of who He created use to be…everyday.

Monday Matters

Everyday Sin Issues

Don’t fret yourself about your sin issues because God first pours out His love to you and then He gently exposes your sin, offering a way for you to change direction, to receive full pardon and freedom.

This is what He did with the Samaritan woman at the well. He didn’t meet her with condemnation. He first met her thirst. He offered her living water (eternity with God), but also let her know He knew all about her. She ran back to town to tell others about Him, not because she felt condemned, but because she had been offered hope and a way out. People are not drawn to judgment. They are drawn to true friendship and that is what Jesus is, a real best friend. No greater love can a man have than to give His life for His friends (John 15:13). Think of the ways you are most loved, it’s when someone meets and loves you right where you’re at. Be that kind person who loves others like that…everyday.