Everyday Matters
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.
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.
Wednesday 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.
Everyday Out of Bed
I didn't want to get out of bed this morning (again) so I pulled the covers over my head, like I often do when life seems so heavy. I've tried to make it a habit to go to "The Throne" before "The Phone," which means I take my big hard copy Bible and open it up and read.
I came Psalm 18:6,” In my distress, when seemingly closed in, I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple and my cry came before Him, into His very ears.” Isn’t that comforting? God sees, knows and understands us. He is not surprised by what we're going through or what has happened, and He is always on the move with a plan of redemption. The relationship we can have with God, can be so personal and so intimate.
God's never condemning of our feelings or heartaches. He understands all of who we are, spiritually, mentally and physically. He understands and cares about everything we care about and hears our every cry and complaint. It all "comes to His very ears…. 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.”
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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Enemy Prowls
There are a lot of messed up circumstances and people in this world but always remember who the real enemy is. Ephesians 6 tells us we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the evil forces in the spiritual realm.
Everyday Enemy Prowls
There are a lot of messed up circumstances and people in this world but always remember who the real enemy is. Ephesians 6 tells us we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the evil forces in the spiritual realm. Of course, the enemy uses people and circumstances to get to us. His main goal is for us to abandon our relationship and trust in God. But listen to 1 John 4:4, Greater is God who is in you than the enemy of this world.
Spiritual warfare is our battle with the world, our flesh and the devil. And by the Holy Spirit we have all we need to do battle plus the knowledge hope that God’s already won the battle. Yes, so much of what happens to us and others is not good, but God is good. He is a Redeemer of all things. The enemy won’t leave you alone because wherever God is working so is Satan, but you don’t have to let him bother you. Thank God, praise Him and receive His strength. He’s ready to give it…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Grace Is Not Fair
Grace isn’t fair. And I’m glad of it. I need it. It’s God’s gift of complete forgiveness that we simply receive, we don’t even have to ask for it.
Everyday Grace Is Not Fair
Grace isn’t fair. And I’m glad of it. I need it. It’s God’s gift of complete forgiveness that we simply receive, we don’t even have to ask for it. He’s gone to the cross for us, paid a penalty we never could and gives us mercy we can’t earn, nor do we deserve it. We are free to live now and with the hope of eternity.
Surely, God’s grace is feeling loved when you don't deserve it. It’s kindness of the greatest proportion. We can only give grace to another who’s undeserving when we’ve entered into a relationship with Christ with the unconditional love and grace He gives us. We don’t need religion. We need grace.
I see people walk away from churches, institutions and theology but I’ve never seen anyone walk away from the grace of God. God’s love is not based on how good we are but on how good He is. There’s nothing that surprises Him and He’s always aware of who we are and why we do what we do. He redeems all things and love you, no strings or conditions attached…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Fishing
It’s hard when you see a mess in someone’s life, and you know exactly how they should clean up their act. But it’s not our job.
Everyday Fishing
It’s hard when you see a mess in someone’s life, and you know exactly how they should clean up their act. But it’s not our job. It’s our job to give people genuine love, and prayer and then ask God how He wants us to intervene. I believe the best way to live a life of love is to find a connection with others and love them right where they’re at. The Bible has all the answers for getting cleaned up but if you don’t trust the God of the Bible, who has all the answers, you’re not gonna be interested in following what He says.
I love this cliché’, “Be ye fishers of men. You catch em’--He’ll clean em.” Once someone trusts and receives God’s unconditional love, they’ll want to know what He has to say. Hearts open with an attitude of, “I get to read the Bible” and not, “I have to.” The “I love others” fishing program really works. God knows us fully as we are and loves us fully … 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.”
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.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Love Journey
I am Debbie with a slight curve of scoliosis made less noticeable with the surgery I had as an adult. I am Debbie who needs to look everyday in the mirror and wonder what else I can do to my hair that will change my life.
Everyday Love Journey
I am Debbie with a slight curve of scoliosis made less noticeable with the surgery I had as an adult. I am Debbie who needs to look everyday in the mirror and wonder what else I can do to my hair that will change my life. I don’t want to care about it so much and there are times I don’t, and I walk out in my pajamas to get groceries or record my radio feature at the station. Everyday, I have to remember the way He sees me despite my moral failings and missteps and bad hair days.
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. HE IS here, waiting to make creative, redemptive 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. Walk forward knowing how much God loves you…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Open Door
French fashion designer and businesswoman Coco Chanel said, “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”
Everyday Open Door
French fashion designer and businesswoman Coco Chanel said, “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent a fair amount of time pounding on a wall hoping for a door to open and circumstances to change. AND YET when I finally surrender, I mean really and not just say it and allow God to work with what He decides is best I have hope. Changes may not come in the way I imagine but it’s God’s best way. Psalm 103:7 is a “go-to” verse for me, “Put your hope in God for with Him is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.”
We can put our hope in other people or circumstances but when we let God have full control He is always on the move, and He’ll open doors. Look for the blessing and lesson in all difficult circumstance and difficult people in your life and God will bless you…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Shields of Faith
When my husband had cancer thirteen years ago it was hard, it was scary.
Everyday Shields of Faith
When my husband had cancer thirteen years ago it was hard, it was scary. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. My relationship with God enabled me to have peace despite the circumstances. Thankfully, Dan is now cancer free but at the time of the tumor, surgery and chemo I had to be intentional to stop and breathe and let my anxiousness go to God. Of course the enemy is always prowling around trying to steal our peace like we read from 1 Peter 5:8.
One night I had a dream of my husband Dan and I standing in a circle between two pillars that spelled the word, “IS.” “What did that mean?” God said: “My grace IS sufficient.” “My power IS perfected in weakness.” And then I saw people praying in a circle around us, facing outwards and protecting us with shields of faith. The enemy was prowling around trying to find an entrance in hoping shake us up but the power of prayer and faith prevented him. Remember GOD is good and He IS greater…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Sick Day
A few times a year I take a “sick day”, and I stay in my pajamas all day. I feel alone. I have issues and even though I KNOW better I don’t feel better.
Everyday Sick Day
A few times a year I take a “sick day”, and I stay in my pajamas all day. I feel alone. I have issues and even though I KNOW better I don’t feel better. I put my head under my covers and wondered how long I could stay in bed. I talk to God. He reminds me of Hebrews 4:15 telling me He understands everything I’ve been through because He went through it too AND He doesn’t condemn me for our feelings.
Sometimes when we feel closed in, we think God is disappointed or mad at us. But He’s not. He loves you and me, and He cares about what we care about no matter how distressed we may be. He hears our hearts, and He knows what we’re thinking even before we speak. Give it all to God. Tell Him your heart and receive the peace He has for you no matter what or where you’re at…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.
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.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Blood of Christ
We’ve all made mistakes because we’re all sinners. Our sins hurt us and others on some level. God loves us and will use our messes to help ministry to others, but Satan will always try and condemn us, and he also works in others with his lies.
Everyday Blood of Christ
We’ve all made mistakes because we’re all sinners. Our sins hurt us and others on some level. God loves us and will use our messes to help ministry to others, but Satan will always try and condemn us, and he also works in others with his lies. You may have someone trying to convince you that your past can’t be forgiven unless you follow their rules of forgiveness. Or maybe it’s you are thinking, God couldn’t possible forgive “that” sin. Listen to 1 John 1:9; “If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” Okay so think about how our kidneys work in our bodies, continuously cleansing us from impurities.
Well, there IS POWER IN THE BLOOD of Jesus Christ which cleanses us, not just in the body, but in the spirit, continuously. Our responsibility is to admit we’ve sinned and CONFESS. We don’t ever want a sin blockage so our prayer life is polluted, and we can’t hear His voice of truth and healing…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Living Christ
I know Jesus lives. He died and rose again. I can say it, and I believe it. But the real question is “Do I live my life as evidence that I believe Jesus is alive in me?
Everyday Living Christ
I know Jesus lives. He died and rose again. I can say it, and I believe it. But the real question is “Do I live my life as evidence that I believe Jesus is alive in me? Jesus died and He rose again and from His greatest act of love, His greatest power flows. The living Christ is then certainly not a dead hero.
The Christian lives in Christ and Christ lives in the Christian by the power of the Holy Spirit. Think about it; we are empowered to lead a new life where sin has no place and if we don’t really believe or live this way then where is our faith? When I woke up today, I was worrying about our son’s future and choices, but I certainly wasn’t acknowledging the power of the resurrected Christ who lives in me and receiving the peace He had for me concerning our son. How often are we unwilling to believe that we have been transformed and that the impossible has become possible through Christ who loves us and our children more than we could ever imagine …everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Ask God
Should I do it? What do you think? Maybe I should put a poll out on social media? Sure, it is wise to ask advice from others and in Proverbs 15 we can read that plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed.
Everyday Ask God
Should I do it? What do you think? Maybe I should put a poll out on social media? Sure, it is wise to ask advice from others and in Proverbs 15 we can read that plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed. But it’s also important to care most about what God thinks. Often when we pray, we make all these requests but then fail to wait and LISTEN. God knows your heart and loves you. He has the best advice.
In the Bible when Paul was talking to the Colossians, he told them that they could have a peace in their heart when a decision was made. It’s important that we aren’t seeking the approval of others or just relying on our feelings. God does answer us. Sometimes the answer is “no” and sometimes we can’t hear because we tell God what we want and ask Him to bless it rather than asking Him if it’s a direction He even wants us to take. Feelings come and go but the peace of God will remain…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Real Tolerance
Not everyone likes us, and I know that’s not a news flash. When we follow Christ and call ourselves Christians it doesn’t mean that we agree with all Christians.
Everyday Real Tolerance
Not everyone likes us, and I know that’s not a news flash. When we follow Christ and call ourselves Christians it doesn’t mean that we agree with all Christians. I have friends of diversity with different beliefs and lifestyles and some things we agree on and some things we don’t. I love people. Only people last forever and how we treat others will be the true legacy we leave behind. No matter who someone is I hope to always listen and learn while being kind. Real tolerance is treating one another with respect regardless of our different opinions or beliefs.
Honestly, I like to be challenged. But I’m not ashamed that I believe John 3:16: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.” This view doesn’t make me popular with everyone but let’s seek God’s approval, not men. Let’s give God’s grace and treat others with kindness and respect no matter who they 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.
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.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday God Bless Work
Jan wrote, “I try to be compassionate and kind with a sense of humor but today I was feeling small-minded, hurt and mean spirited.
Everyday God Bless Work
Jan wrote, “I try to be compassionate and kind with a sense of humor but today I was feeling small-minded, hurt and mean spirited. Jan had commented on my Facebook post about loving others, “When people are less than kind it’s then that I have a hard time 'loving' them.... mostly at work. The office can bring out the worst in people…including me.” Oh my, I so get it. Sooooo, when someone hurts me I try and pretend their “nasty” aimed at me was only a sneeze and I respond (mostly under my breath) with “Bless you!” and guess what? It works!
Because God tells us in Luke 6:28 to bless those who curse us. Because if Satan works through a person to hurt us and we end up hating that person back because we’re hurt than the enemy’s job has been accomplished two times over. But if we respond to another’s curse with a blessing then we’ve gotten Satan back and he’ll wish he never laid a finger on us. God bless you…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Performer
I am performer. I love the theater and the stage and taking on a new character to present to an audience. But when it comes to real life I don’t want to put on a performance.
Everyday Performer
I am performer. I love the theater and the stage and taking on a new character to present to an audience. But when it comes to real life I don’t want to put on a performance. I aim to be real, honest and sincere. No matter how long we’ve known Jesus personally or professed ourselves as a believer it’s still important to go back to the ABC’S of Christianity: Admit, Believe and Confess. Admit we can’t go at it alone, (we need God’s grace) and believe Jesus is who He says He is. And then confess our sins and stop trying to point out everyone else’s.
Just think if your “thought life” was recorded from just yesterday? Think about how you judge others, including yourself. I’m so thankful t? e’s a God who knows EXACTLY our thoughts, dreams, hurts, motives and desires. He’s there with perfect love with no conditions. He is always on the move with redemption and grace. This love comes from a relationship with Christ and not through religion…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Questions
God will never tire of us seeking Him or of all our questions. I think of my kids and especially when they were younger and all the questions they had..
Everyday Questions
God will never tire of us seeking Him or of all our questions. I think of my kids and especially when they were younger and all the questions they had.. But I always want them to know I love them no matter what. I imagine it’s a lot like God with us. As T.S. Elliot put it; “Oh my soul, be prepared to meet Him who knows how to ask questions.” I imagine questions from God might be? Did you know Me and how I much I loved you for all eternity?
There are things about God that are mysterious and secret, things we will never know about Him. But there also are things revealed, and those belong to us. Deuteronomy 29:29; “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” I follow and trust God because I know He loves me no matter what …everyday.