Friday Matters

Everyday Important

Years ago, I went through what I describe as a “stripping away” from titles that made me feel important. I chose to step down as an artistic director, a spokesperson for a noble organization but I didn’t realize how important these titles made me feel. In Colossians 3:4 God told me, be content with obscurity, like Christ. I was to be content with being unimportant.

When Jesus said, “Become like a “little child,” He meant 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, the poor and the oppressed, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. But Jesus concern was that these should not be despised or 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 extraordinarily great value. God’s grace falls on us not because of our titles in society, but because it’s His good pleasure to love us just as we are…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Prayer Waiting

Something happens when we pray that doesn’t happen when we don’t. Let me say that again, “Something happens when we pray that doesn’t happen when we don’t.” BUT if we don’t feel or see an answer to what we were asking for then we may start to think that God isn’t listening. BUT He always hears. Sometimes the answer is “no” and sometimes the answer is “yes.” I think the hardest reply is to hear, “wait.”

“I don’t get it. It’s not fair and God I’m starting to wonder if You care or even exist.” We all may have had those thoughts at one time or another but don’t give up. God is always on the move. He’s on “it” whatever “it” may be. Psalm 27:13 I know, “I would’ve despaired unless I’d believed that I’d see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” There is goodness while on earth even though it’s not our final destination. Waiting is hard but with God it’s worth it…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Living Water

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.

Friday Matters

Everyday Sharing Hurt

Believe me, I know what it means to hurt. The recovery from my scoliosis back surgery was horrendous both physically and emotionally. And I was surprised at how the issues resulting in my parents’ divorce of 44 years affected me emotionally and physically too. Hurt from someone you love is pure pain. But I’ve noticed that the more I open up and share my heart of pain the more people respond to share their own hurts of an unfaithful spouse, abuse, absent love from a parent and the pain from their own children. Oh, the sins of others have such painful consequences for so many of us.

So more than ever I’ve been holding on to Zechariah 9:12 by returning to Jesus my stronghold of security and prosperity as a prisoner of hope; believing that God will restore double for my trouble. Real hope is a constant positive attitude that in trusting my Redeemer, and despite what may happen, things will change for the better…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Choose Love

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 whom 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 Dark Valley

I had a season of depression and anxiety that I walked in for over three months in 2009, and it was so wretched that I actually had thoughts of, “Maybe it would be better if I wasn’t around.” But God brought me through this time, and I can understand how that season helped shape my faith. It’s like the words I read by Dr. Timothy Laniak, “This journey through the shadows purges the soul of its pride and earthly attachment. Our challenge in dry and dark times is to respond in simple faith--to believe that the unseen Divine Shepherd is with us in our unlit valley. We grope in hope until rays of light begin to push the night away. Eventually, as Job confessed, 'He reveals mysteries from the darkness, and brings us into the light.’" Job 12:22

Having emerged from the dark valley I now have a more balanced response to the mountain tops. And because of those difficult valleys, I can help others through their dark valleys that seem ever so dark and lonely. Jesus understands you and He will never leave you no matter how dark it gets…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Jesus Knows Rahab

Maybe you want to hide, and not disclose your past because you think it defines who you are right now? Well, it doesn’t. Come into the light of God’s love and let Him reveal the truth of who He says you are…beautiful and redeemed. There was a woman Rahab, a woman who had worked as a prostitute who lived in the “Promised Land,” the land God had promised to give to the Israelites. Joshua, their leader, sent spies to Jericho before entering the land to get the scope of the land and people. Rahab hid the spies in her home and in Joshua 2 she is told; “If you don’t betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the Lord gives us the land.” And that’s what happened.

Rahab had a past, but she got “past it” and at the end of her life she had come to love the God of Israel. Sometimes when you’re so wreaked and wretched it is when the light can pierce your darkness. No matter how bad your past is God has forgiveness, a future and new beginning for you…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Real Life

In one simple month all of life seemed to fall apart. Brandon had lost his job; the family’s golden retriever had died, and Brandon’s wife was back at the clinic again to try new antibiotics to combat her bronchitis. God, where are you? If He loves us, won’t He take the pain away or at least some of it? Remember God is always with us, and He isn’t surprised by what’s happening. Everything must pass through His hands first.

Sometimes a tragedy is where we meet God for the first time. We must lose religion, where it’s all about rules and proving ourselves, and instead rest in a personal relationship with God who knows exactly what we’re going through and how to take care us. Jesus working through us and not focusing on our own works or man’s laws is what’s important. God always loves us. He will not fail us. Grasp hold of His grace and mercy with both hands to find hope…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday A Season

The letter began, “Debbie I’m struggling. I’ve been unemployed since September; I have an aunt who is in the hospital and my husband is constantly reminding me that he’s the one who’s paying the bills. I feel frustrated and far away from God.

Feeling far away from God and like He doesn’t care is what the devil wants you to feel and think. Satan is keen on feeding us lies and his two favorites are the “forever” lie and the “never” lie. He tells us about the negative things in our lives will never change and will forever be the way they are. He says the way you are right now will stay that way “forever.” Lies. The truth is God is good and He has plans to bring you wholeness from your brokenness of pain and regret. Trust in God because bad things ultimately give way to better things. Ecclesiastes 3:1; TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven…everyday!

Friday Matters

Everyday Set Apart

“God wants to show His glory though you!” “Me? Are you serious? Who am I?”

No, He really does want to show His glory through you! Look at 2 Timothy 2:21 for instructions: “If you separate yourself from corrupting influences, you’ll then be a vessel set apart for honorable use. You’ll be consecrated and ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

Well consecrated is to be set apart for a special use! There are special occasions and holidays we set apart special ornaments and decorations. There are also special seasons in our lives with a purpose where God sets us apart! God loves you, He knows you and has created you for purpose. He’s aware of everything about you and loves you no matter how you might feel about yourself. You are a treasure that God delights in. According to His great plan we are vessels He sets aside for a special purpose. Yield to Him so He can work through you because He wants to show His glory through you…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Letter Care

God knows. He cares. And I’m so glad for the friend who sent me a letter reminding me of this so many years ago. My friend Barb wrote, “Debbie, it’s a hard place God has allowed you to walk through. Be assured He has not gone to sleep or turned His back. I was reading in Exodus 2 this morning how Moses had to run away from Pharaoh and live in the desert. All of the experiences he went through, including the time in exile, were to prepare him for the work God would use him to do. He knew about survival in the desert. You too will know about survival in a dark desert experience, and you will prove God's faithfulness. ‘Don't doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.’ Let Him comfort and protect you.”

Resting in God is about allowing Him to take control when life feels so out of control and careless. Isaiah 49:13; “The Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.” And often times he uses our friends to bring that comfort...everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Dairy Queen Pride

Our four sons are all adults now and one is married with kids. We have an empty nest. I love it. I also love that I’ve kept so many stories of their youth from journaling. We had a praise we’d use and remind one another of, and it was, “self-praise stinks.” It was years ago eating lunch at Dairy Queen while my husband was out of town and about 10 minutes into our meal the whining began. Joey couldn’t eat his grilled cheese because it didn’t taste like what I made, David didn’t want the bun to his burger, and Marco said his Blizzard was getting too mushy, so he wanted to leave. But Peter was proudly announcing, “I’m the only one who isn’t complaining!” “Yes,” I said, “but you’re comparing and self-praise stinks.”

We can always find ways we’re better than someone else and ways we can knock someone down. It’s always easier to look at the problems of someone else rather than our own. Proverbs 22:4 says, “It’s through humility and putting others before ourselves where we find our honor in life and I think peace too…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Despair Not

God wants you to know that there's protection, hope and freedom from Him and in Him. Without God there is danger, despair and condemnation. But just because I know what's true doesn't mean I don't at times feel crazy, frustrated, angry or sad. The world is a messy place with messy people and I’m one of them. It’s faith to know that there is a God who redeems all things and loves and knows the messy parts of us all.

God always comes through. He always knows what's best and while He may not answer our questions the way we want, or when we want, He is always listening and always loving.

Grace isn't fair in that we don’t receive it because we’re a good person or earn it. When I truly understand this gift, it makes it a lot harder for me to withhold grace from another person. But giving underserved kindness and forgiveness to another can only come from the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I pray to surrender to God for His grace to live freely…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Fishing

It’s hard when you see a mess in someone’s life, and you know exactly how they should clean up their act. But it’s not our job. It’s our job to give people genuine love, and prayer and then ask God how He wants us to intervene. I believe the best way to live a life of love is to find a connection with others and love them right where they’re at. The Bible has all the answers for getting cleaned up but if you don’t trust the God of the Bible, who has all the answers, you’re not gonna be interested in following what He says.

I love this cliché’, “Be ye fishers of men. You catch em’--He’ll clean em.” Once someone trusts and receives God’s unconditional love, they’ll want to know what He has to say. Hearts open with an attitude of, “I get to read the Bible” and not, “I have to.” The “I love others” fishing program really works. God knows us fully as we are and loves us fully … everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Sick Day

A few times a year I take a “sick day”, and I stay in my pajamas all day. I feel alone. I have issues and even though I KNOW better I don’t feel better. I put my head under my covers and wondered how long I could stay in bed. I talk to God. He reminds me of Hebrews 4:15 telling me He understands everything I’ve been through because He went through it too AND He doesn’t condemn me for our feelings.

Sometimes when we feel closed in, we think God is disappointed or mad at us. But He’s not. He loves you and me, and He cares about what we care about no matter how distressed we may be. He hears our hearts, and He knows what we’re thinking even before we speak. Give it all to God. Tell Him your heart and receive the peace He has for you no matter what or where you’re at…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Real Tolerance

Not everyone likes us, and I know that’s not a news flash. When we follow Christ and call ourselves Christians it doesn’t mean that we agree with all Christians. I have friends of diversity with different beliefs and lifestyles and some things we agree on and some things we don’t. I love people. Only people last forever and how we treat others will be the true legacy we leave behind. No matter who someone is I hope to always listen and learn while being kind. Real tolerance is treating one another with respect regardless of our different opinions or beliefs.

Honestly, I like to be challenged. But I’m not ashamed that I believe John 3:16: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.” This view doesn’t make me popular with everyone but let’s seek God’s approval, not men. Let’s give God’s grace and treat others with kindness and respect no matter who they are…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday The Cross

I’m a mom of four adult sons and I husband I’ve been married to for 32 years. I’m so grateful. Recently at Easter we were all together and after church went out for pancakes, French fries, and bacon and there we talked about the meaning of “The Cross.

And all of us in agreement know we are made worthy, NOT by what we do, or how we perform, and certainly not by our righteousness but we’re made worthy by God’s great mercy. The sacrifice of Jesus washes away our sins and His resurrection secures our future. We are forgiven and set free to live with no condemnation or fear. Our faith walks may look differently but we know our righteousness comes from what Christ did on the cross. Paul speaking to the Colossians said, “God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross.” Receive this gift Jesus offers you too with the hope to live …everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Spouse

“Mom, I decided that I’m gonna do what Dad did and let God choose my wife for me,” said our son Joe when he was a teen. And that’s still his plan as a young adult. God definitely chose my husband Dan for me. I love Dan always and I like him… but not always. Dan has always called me his “Pretty Debbie” and I call him my, “Cute Husband.” We have been in places for better and for worse. It’s with respect, honor and grace that we carry on (no matter how short our hair gets or what the scale says.

When we married, I was more selfish and so I allowed God to change me and then our marriage changed for the better to. I thought, “How can I serve over being served?” Asking that question was great along with talking less and listening more too. Making a covenant with God and committing to His love makes a marriage strong. As Tim Kellor said, “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved, is well, a lot like being loved by God…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday So Cool

I remember asking our four sons, “Who decides who’s cool? I don’t get it. You’re cool. I’ve decided it.” But we all decided that it’s “cool” to stick up for someone who’s being made fun of just because they’re different. My boys think Brandon’s cool. He was a rock star/popular football player but what also made him “cool” was his treatment of others, like Josh.

Josh’s mom, Cindy, was ready to pull him out of public school and home school him due to excessive teasing and bullying from peers. Josh had a mild case of autism. Brandon, the popular football player, who had stood up for Josh in the past, heard that his mom was considering pulling him out of school. So, he talked to his teammates and friends and stood by Josh’s side until the teasing stopped. That’s cool. We all want that feeling to belong, to know someone is for us. As Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for you, who can be against you?” You are loved. Stand in confidence and security and help others to know they’re loved too…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Teen Parenting

Admittedly I’ve played the drama-queen parent to our four teenage sons. I’ve failed enough times to know what doesn’t work. Fortunately, I’ve found what does work is keeping my relationship with God grounded by trusting what He says more than what I feel. God is the model parent and out of His love He sometimes disciplines and sets boundaries for us. God wants us to succeed. He wants us to know His grace is continual and His love unconditional. The best parenting advice is to help your child know a personal relationship with Christ. We’re less likely to go against His rules when we trust the One giving them and the grace we receive to follow them.

I try to be a good example because “more is caught than taught” but Christ alone is the perfect example. The best endings to conflict are when my sons and I have stopped talking (or shouting) and listen to each other—and PRAY. Sometimes taking away the phone was an answer too. Parenting isn’t for wimps so let’s keep healthy relationships that are based on love, grace and respect…everyday.