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.

Friday Matters

Everyday Jesus Loves

Jesus loves everybody and He wants ever single person to know His love. Years ago, on quick lunch break from subbing at the high school I ran home and saw Henry who was finishing some painting on our house. I asked him about his arm tattoo and when he told me what it was, I said, “Henry, I’m embarrassed but I don’t know what that means” to which Henry responded, “I’m embarrassed to tell you.” Nevertheless, it got us talking about the meaning of life and life after death.

I shared my belief in Christ. I explained my relationship with Him as a Redeemer and the One who gives us our dreams and helps us walk in and toward them. I even gave Henry a book by an author explaining his journey with God and Henry promised to write to me after he read it. AND as I headed out, I ran into George, doing the final inspection, and he added how Jesus was in the meaning in His life. Who knew a ½ hour lunch could be a revival? Jesus loves. He loves you…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Airport Righteousness

I was in the airport traveling to speak and I was crabby, and I felt negative. Things weren’t right in my head. So, I did what I tell others, “Go to the Bible. Listen to God.” I recited some scripture aloud. Nothing happened (He’s not a Genie in a Bible). I then remembered Isaiah 32:17; “And the effect of righteousness will be peace--internal and external, quietness and confidence.” Righteousness means I’m in right standing with God but it’s not because of anything I do but because of what He did on the cross.

Righteousness means I know who we are in Christ. Quietly I walked around the airport saying what I knew was true, “I’m the daughter of the King. He began a good work in me. He’s working all things for the good. “He’s not surprised by my feelings, and He redeems all things.” And after a while of repeating God’s Word the effect of righteousness was peace-internal and external just like Isaiah 32:17 says. Feelings are indicators but don’t let them be dictators. Receive His peace no matter what’s going on…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Sins Forgiven

Think how amazing it is that God chooses not to remember our sins. He chooses never to bring them up again. In Isaiah 43:25 God tells us; “I am the One who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins."

When you read Hebrews 11, you see a list of the great men of faith; Abraham, Moses, David, etc. yet none of their sins are listed even though they were sinners. This is because God chooses not to recall the sins that He’s already erased. Now travel to Ephesians 4where Jesus tells us to forgive as the Father has forgiven us. I know…right? That means when we choose to forgive someone, we also must choose not to bring up that offense again; to them, others or to ourselves… ever! Probably the hardest thing is to not allow our minds to rehearse the hurt. ONLY through His Holy Spirit strength is this possible and nothing is impossible with God…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Forgiven Offender

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 because “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.

Friday Matters

Everyday God is Bigger

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 because “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.

Friday Matters

Everyday Loving Christians

Ya know, that song that goes; “They will know we are Christians by our love.” We all know people who profess to be Christians, attend church, they know the rules. However, we know an authentic Christian by way they live their lives, by the fruit they bear. God’s not asking us to trust someone who doesn’t take responsibility for their part in a big mess, but He does command us to LOVE “that someone.”

In Mark 21:21 God says that we have the ability to move mountains by putting our faith in Him. Usually, we talk ABOUT our mountains, but God tells us to talk TO our mountains. Here’s the application to talk to your mountain as an authentic Christian by following the Bible; “Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them and let it drop, and your Father will also forgive your failings and let them drop. True Christians really love by really forgiving…everyday.