Everyday Matters
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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Having Fun
Do you wanna have fun? I think most of us do especially when the earth experience is hard. It’s not just the girls who wanna have fun
Everyday Having Fun
Do you wanna have fun? I think most of us do especially when the earth experience is hard. It’s not just the girls who wanna have fun. There are events or responsibilities that we all have that aren’t always pleasant so try to find fun wherever you are. I kinda have this motto that works, “If it’s not fun, I’m done.” If we go into a difficult situation or experience with an attitude to find the humor in it, we find the difficulty less emotionally draining. This has been a game changer for me; to find a person in the moment to connect to or by asking God to see the blessing or lesson in the situation and find the “funny” helps to actually see that “nothing is wasted” with Christ. The way we respond to difficulties with an attitude of hope or humor is a greater testimony to others than us preaching to them.
Let His love of kindness, patience and truth we read about in 1 Corinthians 13 cause you to live with hope and freedom, drawing others to you and Him with joy and laughter…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Sharpened
Do you know someone who’s served in the military? I know many and one of them is my husband, Dan.
Everyday Sharpened
Do you know someone who’s served in the military? I know many and one of them is my husband, Dan. Military people serve as an act of love for others. I remember Dan telling me that in the army they were constantly drilled that they needed to keep their weapons clean and ready for use. A useless weapon not only made the soldier useless, but also a liability because now someone else needs to pick up the slack. In Ephesian 6 God gives us a list of armor, but only one weapon—the Bible which is the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon of the six God’s calls us to “put on.” Our knowledge of the Word is its sharpness.
There are so MANY things screaming for our attention and I’m sure, like me, you are being pulled in many directions. But God never changes no matter what the direction of our day is. So Let the Word of God be in your head and heart; sharpened…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Fully 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.”
Everyday Fully 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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Confess Forgive
Do you feel rejected by a friend or family member? Let me tell you...YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Everyday Confess Forgive
Do you feel rejected by a friend or family member? Let me tell you...YOU ARE NOT ALONE. James 5:16 is a verse that is helpful to apply because it says when we confess our own sin and pray for one another that we will be healed and THEN our prayers will have tremendous power. Most often I need to confess my own sin and hurt of wanting the other person to hurt because they’ve hurt me. We need to pray to see others as God sees them.
Let’s stop inserting into your head that sad CD which plays back all the hurtful things caused by broken relationships. When Jesus forgives us, He clears us of all unrighteousness. Our righteousness is not based on what we do but by knowing who we are in HIM! He asks us to forgive; not as a rule to earn favor with Him but for the purpose of being set free and reconciled.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Grief
The message read; “Oh my dear friend how I needed those words of encouragement tonight. It’s been less than a month that my sweet husband went to be with Jesus. He had a massive heart attack at age 52. My world will never be the same.” “Oh, that is so hard.”
Everyday Grief
The message read; “Oh my dear friend how I needed those words of encouragement tonight. It’s been less than a month that my sweet husband went to be with Jesus. He had a massive heart attack at age 52. My world will never be the same.” “Oh, that is so hard.”
Janice continued; “Thank you for sharing the post you did. It has kept me glued together tonight.” I’ve only met Janice through Facebook, but we’ve been friends for years. Knowing Christ, the Comforter doesn’t take away the ache; instead, it supports you in the middle of the ache. And the grieving process is not so much a matter of getting rid of the pain but not being controlled by the pain.” “Grief Devotionals by Dr. Larry Crabb is a source of hope for those dealing with loss. It’s hard. I am sorry if you’re in that place. Sit with people in their ache because simply having someone love you where you’re at is what helps more than you may know…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Kid Training
“I absolutely get what you’re saying,” shared one mom to another about raising a strong-willed child. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go. When they’re old they’ll not depart from it.”
Everyday Kid Training
“I absolutely get what you’re saying,” shared one mom to another about raising a strong-willed child. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go. When they’re old they’ll not depart from it.”
It’s not a verse that needs interpretation, said Beth, “but our oldest daughter determined to do everything the hard way no matter how we trained and directed her. Why didn’t this verse apply to our family? All scripture is breathed by God. He cannot lie. Are we parents who’ve failed in raising a follower of Jesus which is what we thought? Of course, we didn’t do everything right, but our daughter chose to go her own way. It’s not that she departed from the way she was trained; she just never arrived there in the first place, said Beth. God’s way is perfect, but we all have freewill and choices. We haven’t given up on her, and God certainly hasn’t given up on our daughter either. He knows the way. We hold on in hope and faith that someday our daughter will walk toward Him but no matter what, we love her and He loves her…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday My Way
When I don’t get my way, I can get irritable and especially when I’ve carefully planned and and thought how my way is best.
Everyday My Way
When I don’t get my way, I can get irritable and especially when I’ve carefully planned and thought how my way is best. As silly as it sounds, I sometimes don’t want to ask God what way He thinks because if His plan is different than mine, I don’t want to hear it. So, what I do now is express my fear, doubts and strong will for what I want but then say, “I want Your will” and I put my trust in His grace to lead and guide me. He cares about what we think. He knows our desires.
In Ephesians 4:15 Paul encourages us, “Grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head.” It should be our goal as believers to be one with God. When we are “born again,” we grow and mature spiritually in our minds, emotions and will. And then when this happens our desires become His desires. And being in sync with God gives a peaceful spirit not an irritable one even if our plans fall through…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday The Tongue
“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” In the Book of James, James pulls no punches. That muscle in our mouth can kill or heal, spark wars or absolve a world.
Everyday The Tongue
“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” In the Book of James, James pulls no punches. That muscle in our mouth can kill or heal, spark wars or absolve a world.
Speaker and Author Chad Bird shared this; “From beginning to end, the Bible speaks about the power of speech, for good or for ill. With speech, the Lord God worded the world into being. And with speech, the serpent wooed the world into evil. When God commanded, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor,” he made explicit what we all know: that human society, relationships, justice, and one’s own soul are destroyed by lies.
Sometimes you know that a lying tongue would be the easy way out, but being honest always opens a door to healing. God forgives you for the times you’ve been dishonest so receive His forgiveness, don’t reject what He has for you. God will change and heal your heart and as it’s mending it will also affect what comes about of your mouth …everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Free from Sin
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin and a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Everyday Free from Sin
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin and a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36) I know the truth of who God is and His love and still I fall into temptation and become bound to my feelings, anger, judgement and what other people think. I need God’s grace to do His will everyday because in all sincerity my prayer is, “His kingdom come and may His will be done.”
It helps to let someone else know you’re struggling by talking to them face to face or on the phone. Too much of how we engage with others is behind a keyboard and often a touch or a hug is more helpful than anything. If you are struggling in an area of temptation and sin then bring it to the light. What we hide in the dark has power over us. Jesus came to set us free from sin and when He sets us free, we are free indeed…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Woman at the Well
Don’t fret yourself about your sin issues because God first pours out His love to you and then He gently exposes your sin
Everyday Woman at the Well
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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Humble Heart
Take comfort in knowing only God knows your heart yet I know it stings when someone judges you harshly because they can’t see your heart.
Everyday Humble Heart
Take comfort in knowing only God knows your heart yet I know it stings when someone judges you harshly because they can’t see your heart. The human heart is arrogant, and often cares for itself above all, prone to judge others, prone to make demands of others. The heart is also needy and incomplete with holes that can only be repaired by God’s perfect love.
Where’s the healing for it all? Jesus. He is it, His Word which is both justice and mercy. First, we must deeply understand and truly own our brokenness. 1 John 1:8 people, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” The Bible doesn’t call us to judge others but it calls us to always be mindful and humbly recognize our own weakness. Whatever righteousness we possess was given to us by the victory of Christ’s death and resurrection. God is grieved when we use the Bible on others as a weapon. Humility. Ask God to give you the grace to love others as He does…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Perfect Grace
We have been called to be perfect. I know…right? Good luck with that? Yet God does call us to be mature and complete
Everyday Perfect Grace
We have been called to be perfect. I know…right? Good luck with that? Yet God does call us to be mature and complete (“teleioo”) just as He is, but we are not fully perfected until the Day of Christ as we understand from Philippians 1:6.
Thank God for the grace to live in the “here” and “now” of life. I like what Pastor John Piper has to say on the purpose of creation being one of the most amazing things about God and without us on His created earth His grace could not be realized. That is why He created us. He knew we would sin, so He chose Christ’s sacrifice before creation - because He wanted to reveal the glory of His grace. This earth experience is hard with hard circumstances like our health and broken relationships and yet we have the hope of God’s promises and in faith we can SEE His grace displayed with love and wisdom over us all. God isn’t limited by our sin - only we are.” There is grace…everyday.