Everyday Matters
Tuesday Matters
Everyday God is a Shelter
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort. Psalm 91:4 really hit me the other day; “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Everyday God is a Shelter
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort. Psalm 91:4 really hit me the other day; “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Imagine God like the Psalm reads-- a strong and majestic eagle Who’s there to shield you with His wings and protect you with His feathers.
When you’re fearful and anxious it’s hard not to think about the “what ifs” and other scenarios that make you more anxious. Instead, I try to think about God’s promises of protection and redemption and acknowledge that my feelings of anxiety won’t last forever and they won’t kill me. In Romans 8:28 God promises to work all things for the good. Not all things are good, but God always is. It takes courage to walk forward in faith despite our feelings, but we can do it because of our God, the Protector and Comforter will cover and carry us through…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Success of Trials
A post on Instagram read; “A key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted.”
Everyday Success of Trials
A post on Instagram read; “A key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted.”
I had to really think if there was truth to that. Yes, I may not have wanted what was dealt but “here it is” so what am I gonna do with it? I do think expressing your feelings of anguish has a place such as screaming, crying and complaining because part of healing is expressing. God’s not surprised at the trials we go through, and we can ask Him to show us His redemption and find the blessing and lesson in it all. Character more often is developed in crisis. God promises to bring out “the good” of all things when we trust His love and care of us. During my recovery of scoliosis back surgery in 2003 I was miserable, yet I now see the blessings and ways God brought me through. Christ is the only one who can change our hearts. Where there is something broken, He can make it beautiful. Real success in life is from receiving real love and giving it back to others…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.
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?
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.
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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Step In Faith
In the Old Testament as the Israelites were soon to enter into the Promised Land they were faced with crossing the Jordan River during flood season with the Ark of the Covenant.
Everyday Step In Faith
In the Old Testament as the Israelites were soon to enter into the Promised Land they were faced with crossing the Jordan River during flood season with the Ark of the Covenant. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. God told them to go forward right into the middle of the river before the water would go down and because of the faith the people had in God they obeyed and trusted God. We read in Joshua 3:17 that; “All Israel passed through until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”
I know I would’ve first wanted to test the water with my big toe to see some evidence of God’s promise of the water going down before I stepped into the middle of the river. But often God provides no solution to my problems until I trust Him and move ahead with what I know I should do. Sometimes God wants me to step forward into the unknown because it’s an opportunity for me to know Him better and trust Him with my faith and not my feelings...everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Forget the Lies
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.
Everyday Forget the Lies
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!
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Cake MERCY
“Dan, c’mon, please pay the bill. My allowance won’t cover it.” I was asking for grace from my husband as I handed him the bill for spending too much
Everyday Cake MERCY
“Dan, c’mon, please pay the bill. My allowance won’t cover it.” I was asking for grace from my husband as I handed him the bill for spending too much at J. Crew Clothing. Whew…he forgave and paid the bill. But when I went home, I discovered that a stick of butter, my special cake plate and a container of frosting was missing. My nephew had baked a cake while I was away. I called and scolded him for not replacing my supplies.
When I hung up the phone, I realized I was acting like the ungrateful servant in Matthew 18. A king was about to punish this servant for a debt of millions but instead had pity and forgave. The servant, not grateful, instantly found his friend who owed him thousands and had him thrown in prison. I got the memo. God gives fresh mercy to us so how can we afford to withhold mercy from others …everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Bouquet Love
I was absent one summer, for an extended period of time, and even though I’m not a “flower person”
Everyday Bouquet Love
I was absent one summer, for an extended period of time, and even though I’m not a “flower person” I cried when I came home and saw this large bouquet greeting me on the kitchen table. It was special and apparently so for our teenage son Joey. He seemed to be continually asking me, “Mom, aren’t those flowers from Dad beautiful?” “Yes. Yes, they are Joey.” And yes, the best thing we can do for our kids is to love our spouse. Unity. If our children see a crack in the foundation, they often find a way to slip through. Of course, we have disagreements and we have had our share of fights but it’s how and where we choose to handle conflict, especially with our spouse.
It’s important for our children to see unity, not division and so we often have to “agree to disagree” while privately we try and work things out. But of course, with the personalities of my husband and I they’ve seen us passionately argue too but they also see reconciliation. Jesus tells us that, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. When your marriage stands strong so does your family…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Not Fair
If you’re a mom you’ve heard; “I don’t want to. It’s not fair.” And if you’re like me your sure-fire response has been, “Life’s not fair.”
Everyday Not Fair
If you’re a mom you’ve heard; “I don’t want to. It’s not fair.” And if you’re like me your sure-fire response has been, “Life’s not fair.” BUT “back in the day,” when our four sons were young, I’d respond, “I understand you don’t think it’s fair and I’m sorry you don’t want to. But right now, I’m not interested in what you want. I’m interested in your obedience. I’m not open to discussion, I’m the mom and I’m in charge here.” I was confident and I wanted to help our four sons develop character to walk in obedience and respect and at the same time I wanted to walk in what I knew to be true rather than go with an emotional response.
“Yep” … my oldest responded, “Thanks Mom,” when I read Proverbs 30:17 “The eye that scorns obedience to his mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley.” Thankfully, (through it all) my children still have their eyesight. The message should be clear; in obedience and trust to God we receive our blessings …everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Popular
I don’t get why Jenny is so popular? She’s not that nice but people seem drawn to her?
Everyday Popular
I don’t get why Jenny is so popular? She’s not that nice but people seem drawn to her? Maybe if I try act more like Jenny and dress and wear my hair the way she does I’d be liked more and more popular? Have you been stuck in the shadows where you don’t realize the beauty of how God created you? He doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to another and be something we’re not because He didn’t make a mistake with you.
Life can be hard and I think we’ve all had those moments thinking the grass is greener on the other side but guess what? That grass has to be mowed too. When I read Ephesians 12, I see that I’m God’s workmanship and He’s created specific things for each of us to do by the way He created us. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on being the blessing God created you to be with the gifts He’s given you…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Useful Words
Two most useful words that we need to actually use more often are “okay” and “no.”
Everyday Useful Words
Two most useful words that we need to actually use more often are “okay” and “no.” Many times, we’re trying to be such people pleasers, so we say YES instead of NO, or we try and fix ourselves and others when it’s better to say, “Okay” and accept what’s happening. It could go like this, ““No, that is not who God says I am,” or “No, that is not where God wants me” followed by, “No, I will not be an approval addict.”
The other useful word “Okay” can work like this; “Okay, you see it this way and I don’t.” “Okay, I am sick right now, but it will pass.” In scripture we read where Jesus didn’t answer at all but allowed people to follow their own folly and He mostly used the word “no” when speaking to the religious leaders. Do you trust God to the extent that even when it's hard, you’re at peace to say, “Okay” and “No?” I’m not there but I know with Him it’s possible and useful in moving forward…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Earth Experience
This earth is not our home. Good…because it’s so stinkin’ hard some days. I so often have to look up and find the hope to move forward.
Everyday Earth Experience
This earth is not our home. Good…because it’s so stinkin’ hard some days. I so often have to look up and find the hope to move forward. Hope is basically the belief that something good is going to happen, there’s something better that’s ahead. We need hope for this earth experience now, but we also have an eternal hope when we confess and profess that Jesus is Lord and the only one who can remove our guilty sins.
One of the most helpful things I can do is to go public with my struggles while sharing the hope that I have. When I openly share my hard places and say a promise, say from Philippians 1:6, where God tells us, “He Who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it until the day He returns,” I find that I’m not alone because someone else needed to hear exactly the same thing. The earth experience is hard, but God is always good. Keep on keeping on…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Humility
Remember that song, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in everyday way?”
Everyday Humility
Remember that song, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in everyday way?” We laugh because 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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Sick Day
Ya know how sometimes you get physically sick, like the flu and it's not because you're not reading the Bible enough or doing enough acts of service, you just get sick.
Everyday Sick Day
Ya know how sometimes you get physically sick, like the flu and it's not because you're not reading the Bible enough or doing enough acts of service, you just get sick. Well sometimes you get emotionally sick and it’s not because you’re a “bad Christian.” There can be all kinds of factors that play into all kinds of sicknesses like lack of sleep, an infection, a damaged relationship and sometimes we need medication to get well. It’s okay.
Remember that no matter what emotional or physical state you’re in, God loves you as you are. We’ll go through challenging seasons where it doesn't make sense but it’s in the hard places where we grow. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “that His strength is perfected in our weakness.” Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is just let go and let God take care of us or by asking someone for help or taking medication. He works in many different ways and through many different people. In every place and time, He wants you to know how much He loves and values you…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Marriage Hope
Unfortunately, I hear from a lot of people sharing how their marriage is breaking up due to a spouse finding someone new.
Everyday Marriage Hope
Unfortunately, I hear from a lot of people sharing how their marriage is breaking up due to a spouse finding someone new. “I wish my spouse would give up this other person and want to reconcile, but they have no desire for me anymore. I’m trying to focus on God, but I want deliverance from this pit,” someone wrote me. I ache for this person, but I told them; “With Jesus there is always hope.” The enemy wants us to believe lies and fall into despair.
Proverbs 1:31 is also pretty clear about the person who continues in sin; “Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.” But if we choose to trust what we know of God Proverbs 1:33 is pretty clear; “But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear or harm.” Go to the Bible for comfort, read aloud, lament, cry out to God. He knows and cares about hurting heart and He knows how to give you hope…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Vegas
Susan had turned her life around by turning to Jesus and now she was on talk radio with three other women still in the “business” discussing lifestyle choices in Las Vegas.
Everyday Vegas
Susan had turned her life around by turning to Jesus and now she was on talk radio with three other women still in the “business” discussing lifestyle choices in Las Vegas. The host and others on the panel were repeatedly asking Susan, “Where was God when you were in this business? Why didn’t He save you?” And Susan replied, “God was always with me. It was I who left Him. The others clearly did not have a relationship with Christ, they didn’t know of His great love for them, and so they had no respect for God or His ways but Susan understood completely and she said; Christ gives us all a free will but it’s our choice whether we want to have Him in our lives or not.”
Without knowing the relationship that brings love and freedom a person is only going to see God’s laws as bringing judgment and bondage. We may turn our backs on God, but He will never turn on us or stop loving us. The wisdom of Proverbs 28:5 says, those who seek the Lord understand fully…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Stuck
Okay there’s this kind of Christians who is “stuck” outside the tension between law and grace – and specifically I’m talking about those who don’t know they need grace. I have been that girl at various times myself.
Everyday Stuck
Okay there’s this kind of Christians who is “stuck” outside the tension between law and grace – and specifically I’m talking about those who don’t know they need grace. I have been that girl at various times myself.
When you don’t know you need grace you come to the counseling room in righteous indignation. You come with your “rights” and “it’s not fair because there’s a sinner worse than you. This may include the spouse who drags their partner along to get fixed, the partner who doesn’t think they need fixing, the person angry with God for failing to fulfill their dreams and the one who simply cannot forgive. They know they’re right and they want you to know it too. Accepting Christ means acknowledging deep sin and a need we have for grace, in all areas of our lives for a lifetime. Jesus desires to confront the blackness of our hearts and change us to be set free. PRAY for yourself and others who need to KNOW and SEE how much we need His grace, because without it we can’t really be free …everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Easter Celebration
Easter doesn’t get the attention Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby and angels and giving and receiving presents from one another. But Easter is the bigger gift.
Everyday Easter Celebration
Easter doesn’t get the attention Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby and angels and giving and receiving presents from one another. But Easter is the bigger gift. Isaiah 53:10 reveals that it was God’s will for Christ to die: “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and . . . the Lord makes His life an offering for sin.” It’s not that God actually put Jesus on the cross or pounded the nails, but the cross was God’s plan to redeem humanity. What a wonderful celebration.
If you haven’t experienced a relationship with God then it’s all about religion and while that may bring some sort of good feelings it’s the Good News of what God did for us. Romans 3:25 says that “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood." Repentance isn't about asking God for anything but it's about turning to Him and receiving what He has done for us. What a wonder to think about…everyday.