Friday Matters

Everyday Kenya

My friend Bert shared this story of a mission trip he did with Robert who was stationed in Kenya. Robert had brought a huge offering from a Swiss church for people in the northern area who were suffering from drought. Our Kenyan host was to deliver the money to the people but had other things on his mind and was not diligent in helping Robert get the money to the people. The funds were stolen. A man of grace, Robert called us to pray for the thief, asking God to forgive him and draw him to Jesus.

Later, Robert was asked why God allowed the offering to be stolen. He paused and said, "Sometimes we suffer so that others will learn.” This was a lesson for the Kenyan brethren, who’d been very casual with the great treasure entrusted to them by God. When the Swiss church heard what happened, they took another collection and doubled the offering. This time, the Kenyan congregation was very diligent in handling the funds. Perhaps a hard learned lesson but one that shows God is able to use all things for the good…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Unfailing Love

When we love someone so much it’s sometimes difficult not to shout, “STOP you’re headed the wrong direction.” I see danger ahead. But no matter if we need to SHOUT or remain SILENT, we must walk in love. The truth of 1 Corinthians 13:1 is pretty clear, humanly speaking or even speaking as an angel we must have love or we’re simply a noisy clanging cymbal.

Sometimes it’s difficult to speak up because it’s uncomfortable or we know we won’t be received well. That’s happened to me and I’ve thought; “maybe I’m crazy for saying anything?” But the truth is you might be crazy but you’re dealing with crazy.” Nevertheless, when a word is spoken and not received, be it an apology, advice or our tears, there’s the time we must remain silent and wait and pray. We want to save a life but not drown a heart. There’s a fierce battle to fight in prayer that our loved one may know nothing about. But God knows. He cares. Love never fails…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is weird. Not only does it talk about four living beings with faces, wings, and wheels covered with eyes, but God tells Ezekiel to eat a scroll. That’s weird and then Ezekiel is asked to lay on his left side for 390 days to bear the sins of Israel. Kinda Weird.

Nevertheless, throughout the book Ezekiel obeys God. But what really struck me in Chapter Three book was God asking Ezekiel to take His words into his own heart first before delivering them to the people of Israel. God says, “Let all My words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.”

In John 1:1 we are reminded that God is the Word Himself. God’s Word brings freedom and if we want to be obedient and share this freedom with others than how crucial it is that we feed on God’s Word ourselves…everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Loving Help

The fact is, I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans. People are difficult and especially people we see on our screens and aren’t able to interact with eye contact or a touch to the shoulder. Lately I’ve been asking for God’s Holy Spirit to move in me to be more of a listener and not commenter, to forgive without conditions and to schedule a date to have coffee with someone rather than post another comment.

It helps to think about heroes of the faith like Corrie ten Boom who personally forgave the Nazi officer at the Concentration Camp she and her sister were held. She said, “The will can operate regardless of the temperature of the heart.” We can choose to forgive even though our anger and hurt make us feel like we can’t. “We can do all things through Christ’s strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Let’s pray, Jesus, People are hard, but may I love You and others the way you love me and others…everyday. Amen.

Friday Matters

Everyday Wedding Foyer Connection

I was attending a wedding and was able to share with a young couple who had three very young children. We talked about the challenges of being parents. Our four boys are adults, and I lamented the fact that I thought it was easier (even traveling in winter with all snow gear and diaper changes). Yet, ALL parents have challenges in different seasons no matter the ages of our children.

We listened thoughtfully to one another and then I shared Philippians 4:8 that we are to think on what is good, right, lovely and worthy of praise yet how often we do the opposite and think on what is irritating, negative and worthy of complaining about. So, in that sweet moment in the foyer of the wedding venue we decided to reflect on all that was good in the season of parenting we are in. There are REAL struggles, conflicts and health but by God’s grace we can choose to focus on blessings of God and His redemption in all things. What an unexpected blessing we received that day in laughing and encouraging one another in the wedding foyer. God is so good… everyday.

Friday Matters

Everyday Jesus is 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.

Friday Matters

Everyday God Knows You

I’m thankful for God’s Word because He is the Word! HE is our Redeemer! The Bible isn’t about us. The Bible is about God and His redemption. Wickedness is indeed judged, but that’s not the focus of the story. Redemption and restoration to the glory of God is! That's it. The Woman at the Well ran to tell others about a man who met her thirst (Is He the Messiah?)! She did not run back into town to tell others that she felt judged, but rather she ran to let others know, that despite her past, Jesus accepted her where she was at. He is that same God.

Nothing we could do would ever take His love away from us nor is there anything we could do to cause Him to love us more. He knows me, my pain, my ache from the loved one I lost, the cancer that came to my husband, and my anxiety attacks. HE IS here, waiting to make creative, redemptive use of what has happened. He knows, He “gets us” and He loves us unconditionally…everyday.

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.