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.

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.

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.

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.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Just Say It

“My husband has cancer” I wrote that in the subject line of an email announcement that I sent to over 100 family and friends in 2010. My brother responded, “Wow, Deb that’s powerfully blunt to write in the subject line.” I know. It helps me to face what I fear. If I can’t talk about cancer or even say it, then it has control over me. Many times, Satan uses fear to immobilize us. Philippians 1:28 tells us not to be intimidated by our adversaries but stand with confidence and fearlessness because it’s a clear sign to the enemy of his doom, but sure evidence of our deliverance from God.

Satan knows that the only way he can overcome a believer is through deception and intimidation. It is okay if you’re shaking on the inside and feel afraid just don’t let it move you to let go and give up. Stand firm on the truth of God. My husband is cancer-free but no matter what happened I knew I would not be crippled by fear…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday The Enemy

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. When it’s cold outside you put on a coat, not just once but every time it’s cold. 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.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Do Not Hate

“God loves the people you hate." I have that sticker on my car (with a multitude of other stickers) and recently I really thought about what it meant. God loves every single human on earth. We’re equally loved by Him. Oh, I hear you, the frustration of people, those who’ve hurt you, been unkind, and downright mean.

But, instead of emotionally fighting back, stay quiet. It doesn't mean you’re not hurt by what someone says or posts but by His grace choose not to be "moved" and harbor bitterness. Romans 12:19 says God will avenge us and take care of the others person like He does us.

Jesus came as the Good News to redeem us all. The Christian faith is the only faith where God says, "love your enemy" and not take revenge. Stand up to evil and hate sin but don’t forget, the real enemy is Satan who wants to destroy our relationship with God and others. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar.” (I John 4:19) God gives you the grace to love the most difficult…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Fig Tree

Jesus enters Jerusalem and from the masses gathered for Passover he’s met with cheering and excitement. As he travels, he spots a fig tree “in leaf.” (Mark 11:13)

Jesus inspects the tree and is immediately disappointed. All leaves, no fruit. So, Jesus curses the tree and makes it wither from the roots, never to yield fruit again. This seems out of character for Jesus, but the fig tree cursing is not just about historical Israel. It’s about us and the people of God throughout time. The fig tree, like the bustling temple courts during Passover, was putting on a good show. It’s one thing to lack fruit out of season. It’s another thing to lack it while pretending you have it.

Our personal lives can look like we’re “in leaf.” Our leaves may look like those of a supermom, winning with a successful job, or we have an overstuffed schedule of ministry activities. But the root may be withered. There may be no fruit of holiness and no intimacy with God. What’s worse, our leaves may even fool us. In being a genuine Christian, you develop real and ripe fruit by the Holy Spirit…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Jesus Gospel

I’ve been to enough gatherings with both Christians, non-Christians and those who believe in Jesus but don’t call themselves Christians because of the stigma the word may bring and sometimes I feel that way too. Much of the time we get bogged down about being right and putting down how others are doing it wrong. We end up talking about issues, rules, programs or how we should be doing church. Sadly, what’s missing from our discussions is sharing the GOOD NEWS…the Gospel. Sharing how Jesus is the difference and the answer.

Author Carl Medearis writes; “The Gospel is not a ‘what.’ It is not a ‘how.’ The gospel is a ‘Who.’ The gospel is literally the good news of Jesus. Jesus is the gospel.” He still lives. He claims to be the way, not just show the way. 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. I want to be more vocal this; Jesus has changed my life…everyday.