Thursday Matters

Everyday Loving Father

Do you picture God as a loving Father or a disciplinarian Father? To know God as a loving Father is to know that He isn't looking at you for all the good and right deeds you’re doing while as the same time trying to live a good, moral, and productive life. That’s not why He loves you. He loves you right where you are with all your messy mistakes and sin. It’s out of love for you that He came to cover and forgive you, so you don’t have to hide who you are. You can expose all of who you are, and God forgives with His love and grace, perfectly.

His death on the cross and resurrection give us hope to keep on keeping on. We don’t have to earn His love or be “good enough” because we never could. It will never be about what we sacrifice for God but what He sacrificed for us. We can look forward to a place where there's no more pain or tears, a place to reunite with loved ones, who've passed from this life, and together we can celebrate and live joyfully…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Guitar

Relationships that rock your world in the worst way are ones we want ejected from our memory and our playlist of heartache. But the pain of the past doesn’t have to define your future. Janet shared; “It’s been ten years since my abusive ex-fiancé sold my favorite guitar. He sold it on the day I left him. When I went to claim my belongings, he was proud that he had sold my guitar to a pawn shop. Luckily, I managed to track down the guy who bought it from the pawn shop. He was sweet, and gave it back to me for free, on condition that I joined him on his front porch to play guitar with him. We ended up sitting there on his porch for the rest of the afternoon playing music and talking.” He’s been Janet’s husband for nine years now.

With Jesus there’s redemption in all things. I know it might feel like you’re in control when you’re the one in control but surrendering control of your heart to God is where healing and redemption will bring freedom and hope…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday The 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 love, by God 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.” When you seriously humble yourself and see your own depravity you won’t have time to judge your neighbor. Whatever righteousness we possess was given to us by the victory of Christ’s death and resurrection. Humble yourself. Receive the grace God gives and though Him you’ll be able to give grace to another fellow sinner…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Confident Love

Our whole family was stunned when many years ago, at age seven, our youngest member, David decided to walk down the aisle to read a verse after the pastor requested some children come forward to read from Proverbs. As David left the pew he turned saying, “I’m a really good reader.” The truth is most of 1st grade he had a tutor for reading but progressed so much by the end of the year that the tutor was dropped. Plus, we as a family had David read out loud to us a lot and each time he’d read, we’d say, “David, you’re a really good reader” and then we’d hug him. David was so confident when he read his verse even though he pronounced a few words wrong.

And I thought, “Think of all the things we could do if we believed the things God told us about ourselves and we walked confidently in the love He as for us?” God has great plans for us, He’ll work all things for the good, He’ll avenge us and from Jeremiah 31:3, He loves us with an everlasting love…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Surgery Class

Twenty-three years ago, when I was recovering from scoliosis back surgery, I was in such pain; emotionally, spiritually and physically that I didn't think I'd ever recover. I felt out of control, and I hated that. I simply wanted Jesus to remove all my pain, “Make it go away,” I cried to Him. My main mentor, Aunt Ginger, encouraged me to take my trial as a class. This changed everything. Because instead of praying for God to remove me from my class of pain and circumstances I asked Him to bless and teach me the lessons I needed to learn. And the main lesson was to receive the grace He had for me, to rest in Him being in control.

During this time, I received a postcard from Aunt Ginger which said; “How’s class going? I know you’re being a good student." Well, not always. But how true Hebrews 12:11 was and is; "No training is enjoyable while it’s happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a harvest of right living and peace for those who are trained in this way...everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Family Values

I still remember about 15 years ago wandering around this grandpa and grandma’s home, admiring all the old pictures and furnishings of a couple in their late 70’s who have now passed away. On a door near the kitchen leading to a loft upstairs were taped several comics and newspaper clippings. One cut-out quote really touched me by S. D. Gordan; “A father and mother living together with their children, tender in their love, pure in their lives, strong in their convictions, simple and orderly in their habits, do definitely more than presidents, governors, legislators and clergymen can do in making a strong nation.”

How cool is that? It reminded me of the Mother’s Day Card my oldest son had given me as a twelve-year-old. It used the acronym MOM. “M is for Married,” he wrote, “I’m thankful you’re married and with our dad.” Pretty powerful. Yes, love is a choice and not just a feeling. Joshua 24:15 says it well, “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” …everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Walk of Faith

The walk of faith really comes down to releasing our attempts to control our life because the opposite of faith isn't doubt but control. Do I trust God to direct my life when my feelings and my circumstances are messy and I'm on the verge of madness? Faith is really trusting that God is good when everything around me is not, including myself, and then letting Him take the wheel.

BUT what if I work hard enough or believe in myself strong enough can I control the outcome can a drive on my own without Him? The answer I've found is, "no." God’s grace is born out of the abandonment of control.

My surrender to God is hopeful because where human control ends, faith in God begins. God’s grace forgives messy me and He redeems me, not because I deserve or earn it but because He loves me. Surrendering to God's grace is feeling loved when I don't deserve it. Grace is unreasonable and it's not fair, but God's love compels Him it to give it because we are His beloved creation…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Medication

“Lisa,” I wrote, “I know exactly where you’re at. You’re not a “bad Christian” because you went on medication for your depression. God doesn’t think that. He loves you where you’re at.”

I went on meds for anxiety. It was hard. I felt; “Maybe I wasn't reading the right scripture, praying right or maybe I didn't have enough faith. We live in a fallen world with sickness and disease. The enemy wants us to believe we’re a failure when our sickness is mental but it’s a lie. We’re sick. We need healing and stability, and we limit God when we say He can only work on way. It was pride that kept me from wanting to take meds. I wanted to say; “God healed me without medication." Instead, He provided a way through meds. It’s a mind battle. It helped me to hear National Speaker Chonda Pierce dealt with medication and depression. She taped a message to her prescription bottle which read; “God loves you, Chonda. Take your medicine.” Don’t lose hope. You will get better…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Prayers

Often our prayers are ones where we cry about all that is wrong, and we list what needs fixing. Just so you know, it’s more than OK to do this. God cares about our pain and all that happens to us. But sometimes we stop praying and give up on God because He didn’t answer the prayer like we thought – our sick friend got sicker and the marriage we prayed would stay together ended in divorce. That’s hard.

I’m sorry if that’s been the outcome for you in a prayer, but please remember this; GOD WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU. Nothing you do or don’t will cause Him to withdraw His love and nothing is too small or too big for Him to take care of. He loves us personally. There is something redeemable in your mess and pain right now and if you can manage to get up and serve someone else who’s having a hard time, you’ll find hope. We all need a cup of hope and encouragement no matter who we are…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Flesh

I have a strong will. I’m sure someone listening right now can totally relate to the fact that while our spirits may be strong and willing our flesh fails us time and time again. Jesus tells us we do not "watch and pray". The flesh does not conquer the spirit. The flesh is weak - as Jesus said - and the flesh is a stumbling block to our spirit. I want to go to church on Sunday mornings but I’m tired, so my flesh gets its way and later I have regrets. I have to pray and set my mind and will the night before to get up in the morning.

My prayer is often this simple, “God You’re stronger and You live in me. Help. Amen.” Sharing areas of weaknesses with someone also helps with accountability and strength too. You can overcome. Jesus is here. He’s not mad at you and when you do fall, He will help you get back up. He loves you and He’ll never give up on you. Don’t give up on yourself…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Judging

It’s so easy to judge others, isn’t it? We often do it when we feel crummy about something inside of us, so we find someone else’s problems to judge. When we begin to sinfully judge others it is characterized by a feeling of superiority or resentment. Sinful judging often involves deciding what others’ motives may be. It reveals the absence of genuine love. We get together with others to discuss someone’s problems when instead we should be praying for them.

A listener wrote to me about this problem with, "The sad truth is that when we judge someone’s heart, perhaps because we’re angry and hurt, there is often gossip involved. The one judged, becomes what I call, ‘boxed and labeled’ by the accuser and the gossip-hearers.” Exactly. God promises us vindication. Isaiah 54:17 reads; “No weapon turned against you will succeed.” Wait on God and He we will silence those voices who stand to accuse you unjustly. God promises redemption and vindication…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Old

I am sitting in the coffee shop getting to know a new friend and I’m literally stunned to learn that she’s only 38 which means I’m twenty years older…like I could be her mom. “I thought we were in the same age zone,” I said as I headed to the bathroom. When I come out Shana asked, “Does this age difference bother you?” “Oh, I’m fine but I guess there’s part of me that hasn’t accepted the older me even though she’s wiser and more experienced.”

Real friendships of lasting value really aren’t about age; they’re about connection and give and take. I want my new friend to know that what she sees is someone that is genuinely interested in who she is regardless of really…anything. God’s friendship with us is one with no condemnation and He sees the worst of us but chooses to focus on the best of us. We all have varying degrees of decorating our outsides but just as much time, if not more, should be focused on our insides and living and walking in the grace God give us…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Blue Days

Sometimes I get stuck in blue, like I’m feeling down, sad and crabby. I wouldn’t say it’s depression but I lately I’ve been stuck a little longer in “The Land of Blue,” than I’d like. I texted my aunt this and she wrote back; “I’m sorry you’re blue. I hate that. I fight stupid insecure feelings all the time. Lies…but they feel real. Don’t feed them. Starve them.” She’s right. Feelings are powerful and sometimes so powerful that we don’t trust God’s voice and we listen to lies. So how in the world is it possible to receive a word such as “I love you,” if the lie, “I’m unlovable” thunders louder?

Ultimately, we must make a choice; either my relationship with God is real or it’s not. Setting our minds on truth, God gives us the grace to talk to Him by prayer and or sometimes singing songs aloud helps bring freedom and relief. God hears and understands you and He’s not surprised by your days of sorrow that might be blue. Psalm 16:8 says, He is right beside you all the way through…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Heaven

The older I get the more focused I get on sharing the Good News of the Gospel with others. I blurted out to my husband the other day, “we’re all gonna die.” What we do now is, of course, important, but nothing matters as much as knowing and accepting what Christ DID for us. We’re all sinners. There will never be enough good works we can do to merit heaven. Heaven is not getting angel wings because we don’t become angels. We are created in the image of God. It’s crazy to think that we continue living with a purpose and there’s eating and laughing and dancing. Heaven is perfect with no more tears or pain. The alternative place of eternity is hell, it’s not where all your friends will be because it’s eternal loneliness and despair.

By accepting the atoning sacrifice of Jesus going to the cross and paying for your sins you’re forgiven and free. There’s a complete physical resurrection for us too, just like Christ. You are created for purpose, and you’ll continue with purpose in eternity in having a relationship with Christ (and not a religion)…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Frozen

What about the mornings you can’t get out of bed because you’re frozen?  I don’t mean because of the temperature but because of fear.  I’ve had those frozen mornings where I literally put the covers over my head and think, “I can’t do this.”

I read something that said, “Think of your life as a house with many rooms. Go through each "room" and surrender both the room and the contents to God. If you have a closet full of fears, let Him control that part of your life. Invite Him into the room where you hide your insecurities and hurts. Let Him take down that monument of pride in your own abilities and talents that you have displayed in your living room.  But even after I read this I still wanted to stay under the covers.  What gets me up and out is thinking about the truth like in 2 Timothy where I read that God lives in me and His spirit is one of power and a sound mind.  I can go forward with that truth and love, and not my feelings…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Refrigerator Peace

Isaiah 26:3 was a magnet on my refrigerator that I looked at everyday when I was raising our four young sons and it says, “Jesus keeps in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him.” I tried to be purposeful and ask myself; “What am I thinking about?” We choose what we think on. Many times, I’m worrying and thinking, “But what if…?” I know “more is caught than taught” so I wanted the words out of my mouth to be positive even if I needed them to be firm too.

A great responsibility as a parent is helping our kids fix their thoughts on what God says and not on their feelings or circumstances. I saw a poster which read; “It’s easier to build up a child than it is to repair an adult…choose your words wisely.” Of course, there are the times were negative thoughts lead to me speaking negatively but I hope that what was also observed was that God’s grace covered me. He cares, calms and carries us through…. everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Sign Language

It was his first day back on the job after more than a year on disability leave due to a freak explosion in the plant that, among other injuries, left him legally deaf in both ears. But when John walked into the plant that morning several of his colleagues used sign language to say; “Great to see you,” “Welcome back, John” and “We missed you.” It turns out that nine of his colleagues got together and took a sign language course, just like he did, over the several months he was absent. They did this so they could easily communicate with him when he returned.

This kind of compassion truly shows that people are what life is all about. Only people last forever and the way we treat others is the legacy we leave behind. I can’t help but think of that verse in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that says that with the compassion and love God’s shown to us; we too can show that to others…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Job Bedtime Story

I still remember years ago returning home from my son’s skating class and thinking it probably wasn’t a good time to tell my husband Dan that our "check engine soon" light was on again even though the next day I had to make a trip which was 200 miles away. I didn’t tell Dan about the engine light because he was in the basement shop-vacing water due to a plug in our sewer line. My journal indicates that Joey was 7 and he asked again for The Book of Job for his bedtime story. “Irony,” I wrote. But I was immediately struck by Job's response after all his belongings and children are taken away; "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD."

Eventually, I had all four boys in bed and while I was folding laundry, I had a peace wash over me as I repeated over and over, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” No matter what happens there is peace… not because all that happens is good, but because God always is good…everyday.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Drunk Righteousness

What does it mean to be righteous? Well, it means we are in right standing with God and that means we know who we are in Him…. loved, redeemed, not a mistake. Greater self-effort and determination will never liberate you. Shifting your focus will. This means letting God lead you and not your flesh.

Again, in the Bible, Ephesians 5, tells us not to be drunk with wine but instead to be drunk with the Holy Spirit. When a person is drunk on alcohol, they feel, think and act differently. I’ve been there, done that. But the exact same is true when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we feel think and act differently. The Christian life is not the result of trying to act like a Christian; that’s only frustrating. The secret is developing our relationship with God empowered by the Holy Spirit. As God's Spirit fills us, we better understand who God really is. Our lives are changed from the inside out and good behavior is the end product…everyday.

Thursday 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. 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.