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.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Religious

I hate hypocrisy and I also think it would be fair to say, “I hate religion.” We recognize religious people who go to church but aren’t really interested in “being the church” or we see that they behave a certain way inside the church but outside the church building we see their hypocrisy. Religious people are quick to point out; “You’re not doing it right. You should and should not be doing ‘THIS.’” These are people who busy themselves with “being right” rather than “doing right” and they can’t confess their own sins because they’re too busy confessing yours!

Throughout the Bible Jesus shows His anger MOST when He’s dealing with the RELIGIOUS! If we’re honest, all of us have had a Pharisee attitude and completely ignored Matthew 7:5, “Remove the plank out of your own eye first so you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” PRAY God’s mercy and grace over others and yourself and let Him guide you in dealing with the issues you have and you’ll have greater grace to give to others …everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday Gossip

We judge others by how they make us feel and we judge ourselves by our intentions. Although my heart’s intent was right my action was sin by crossing the line into gossip. I shared information with some trusted friends because I was concerned and wanted prayer. My mistake was sharing unnecessary details. So, I confessed my sin to God and to every person who had been directly affected by my wrongdoing,

Was my heart intent good? Yes. But did I hurt people in the process? Yes. My responsibility then was to apologize for the hurt I caused without adding “but” or “if” after my confession. It’s simply this; “I’m sorry for hurting you by sharing with things with others that I shouldn’t have.” Period. Oh, I wanted to add; “BUT you gossiped about me and I never intended to hurt you. BUT is that what Jesus does? Let’s follow Matthew 7:12; “In everything, do to others what you’d have them do to you” …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.

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.

Monday Matters

Everyday Jesus is God

Okay so you’re talking to a person who says they know and love Jesus. Great. But the more you talk the more you realize that you’re kinda saying the same thing but you’re not. I love to talk about Jesus. Jesus saves. As Christians we are not only follow His teachings but follow Him for He alone is God.

Pastor and theologian Warren Wiersbe said. “False teachers deny the inspiration of the Bible, the sinfulness of man, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross, salvation by faith alone, and even the reality of eternal judgment. They deny the deity of Jesus Christ, for they know that if they do away with His deity, they can ignore the entire body of Christian truth.

Christianity is Christ, and if He is not who He claims to be, there is no Christian faith.” Christ is our Savior and through Him dying in our place to cover our dept of sin are we free. It’s respecting His holiness and Love to understand why He came and how deeply He loves us…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.

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.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday On the Other Side

Our faith and trust in believing God is good when circumstances are not, does not come from the sunny side of the street but in the places where it’s dark and we feel alone and overwhelmed. God will always guide us even though we can’t see Him. Feeling overwhelmed because of finances, or a failed marriage is extremely painful. Perhaps you have a burning pain in your heart because your child is addicted to drugs or maybe it’s an aging parent who can’t remember who you are. You may FEEL consumed by these fiery trials. Your feelings are valid. BUT, the truth is you'll come through. He sees. He knows. He cares.

He speaks a promise from Isaiah 43:2, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." And perhaps what you’re going through is not about breaking you but about building up your faith in Him for His love and His purposes will never fail you…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. (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.

Monday Matters

Everyday Words

It's important to remember that we fight a spiritual battle. In the Bible in Luke 4:1-12, we read that Jesus when addressing the devil, repeatedly said, "It is written..." and then quoted scriptures that directly addressed the enemy's lies and temptations to doubt God. We may start to fight the devil with the Word of God, but when we do not see quick results, many times, we stop speaking or trusting what the Bible says and begin talking about our feelings or our circumstances.

By God’s strength let us be persistent as we wage war against the enemy by speaking the Word. A stonecutter may strike a rock 99 times without even making a crack in the rock. But the hundredth strike he may split the rock in two. Each blow weakened the rock, even though there were no outward signs of it. Persistence is vital to victory in our lives just as it is in the stonecutter's work. Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit may we not relent in speaking the Word against the enemy. We need Your Words and what You say for the victory…everyday.

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.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Love Forgives

"How do we love and accept difficult people?” Someone asked me that question. I know…right? God loves us ALL and we are all created in His image. The ONLY way to love others genuinely is by the love God gives to us. 2 Peter 1:9 really made me think, “For whoever lacks the genuine quality of love is blind to what they have been given from accepting Christ. Jesus has wiped off, erased from the books, our own sinful lives.” He’s cleared us. We’re free.

I KNOW it’s hard. You’re hurt. It’s unfair. The “other person” has the problem and not you. BUT love covers. God covers you; He sees and knows all the stuff you shouldn’t have done and the things you should’ve done and He still loves you. He wants you to show love to others even though you may need to set a boundary with them. Forgive others just like He loves and forgive you. You can do it with Him; the power of the Holy Spirit…everyday.

Wednesday Matters

Everyday Baby Loss

Debbie, what do you say to parents that are losing their little 16th month old boy to cancer? The parents are Christian but can’t understand why God won’t heal their baby? Can you help me with an answer?

Nothing you say will make them feel like it’s fair. The best thing to say is, "I don't know why this is happening. I hate that it's happening and that you’re hurting. But I am not God, and I don't know why He has allowed this. You’re right that it isn't fair. Why doesn’t God fix the pain? He's a big God...tell Him how you feel. It won't stop for a moment His great love toward you. We want to fix the hurt for our friend or want God to fix it. Don’t try to speak for God. Take your friend out, listen to them cry or just sit beside them and say nothing. Even Jesus wept when He went to the grave of Lazarus. Just let friend know you you’re there and you care…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, 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.

Monday Matters

Everyday Success Key

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? My choices: scream, cry, complain and hide or I make the best of the situation and find the lesson, and blessing in it. We can let experiences change us for the better or ruin us. Character more often is developed in crisis when we stop focusing on the hurt and search out a good that can come where success may be hidden. During my recovery of scoliosis back surgery in 2002 I was miserable, yet I don’t regret what I went through. God taught me things I could have never learned any other way. Christ is the only one who can change our hearts when we are broken so we can become beautiful and find success like never before…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.

Thursday Matters

Everyday Pride

Pride is a difficult problem for us to deal with because it hides. Obadiah 1:3 says Pride deceives us and causes us to think we don’t have it. The only way I can have the patience with someone who’s difficult or who hurt me is when I’m able to ask God to let me see the person as He sees them. That’s humbling. I know pride is the poison behind many broken relationships.

The signs of pride include an unwillingness to admit fault or a reluctance to take responsibility for one’s actions. Yeah, I know you’re probably thinking of someone who needs to hear this, but that person maybe you! Pride wants to do all the talking and none of the listening. And pride doesn’t want to make peace because it’s so stubborn and doesn’t want to be instructed. It only wants to instruct others. Remember we are all of equal value in God’s eyes so let’s not esteem ourselves above the value of another but really LOVE one another…. everyday.

Wednesday 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.

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. 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.

Monday Matters

Everyday Poor Sinners

When I honestly accepted who God said I was, loved, redeemed and not a mistake, I felt I could stop pretending and performing. I need Him desperately. It is not the “they” who are poor, sinful and lost. It’s awareness that we ourselves are the primary target.

Unless we acknowledge that we are the sinners, the sick ones and the lost sheep for whom Jesus came, we do not belong to the “blessed” who know that they are poor and inherit the Kingdom. Do you ever try and appear righteous before God and others with your performance. I have and it’s exhausting. It’s a dangerous zone when we get our assurance from wealth or our status. Oh, my goodness…” they” is me, wretched, pitiably poor and so often blind. Isaiah 64 lays things out clearly when we begin to think, “I’m doing really well here.” “We’re all unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy garbage. It’s what Jesus did on the cross that cleans us up and sets us free…everyday.