Everyday Matters
Friday Matters
Everyday Living Water
Life is not easy and frankly sometimes I think it should be because I’m following Jesus but just because we have freedom in Jesus doesn’t mean we have freedom from problems.
Everyday Living Water
Life is not easy and frankly sometimes I think it should be because I’m following Jesus but just because we have freedom in Jesus doesn’t mean we have freedom from problems. Only some days don’t you feel like it’s all upstream?
But it’s often the upstream swimming that makes us strong and more determined than ever to reach out to God and let Him direct us. Jesus came to gift us with His grace and freedom from bondage. Jesus knows the lane you should be in and the temperature for the water even though it might not feel that way. I always have to remind myself that Jesus knows the best WAY and not pray for Him to bless MY way. I remember speaking at a retreat with the theme; “Come to the Living Well.” My desire was to share the hope in Christ, so the gals were thirsty to drink from the fountain of Living Water which Jeremiah 2:13 talks about and not broken-down cisterns that we make for ourselves which leave us dry and weary in a dusty world…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
God uses difficult challenges in our lives to strengthen us and develop our character. Through trials we are taught the unique lessons of suffering and the benefits of discipline and sacrifice, making us better individuals. Our son, Joey, was really in a challenging season years ago and I said to him, “Are you really that surprised that God has allowed this trial in your life (but I am sorry it’s so hard)? As a follower of Christ, He promise us that we will go through trials. But He also tells us in Isaiah 43:2 that He’ll be with us as we pass through the waters and go through the fires, and we’ll not be overwhelmed or will we be burned. Godly character is developed most often when we are tested by the waters and the fire. Acknowledge the trial and the pain and then acknowledge that God is walking with you through it all…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Bumper Stickers
A guy and his car are standing at the pearly gates. The car is covered with Christian bumper stickers. The guy is trying to talk his way into heaven, but Peter won't budge.
Everyday Bumper Stickers
A guy and his car are standing at the pearly gates. The car is covered with Christian bumper stickers. The guy is trying to talk his way into heaven, but Peter won't budge. The guy says, "But look at my car!" Peter finally compromises and says, "OK, your car can come in..."
Much of the time people don't realize what forgiveness truly means in their lives. They really believe the sin that separates them from God in the first place, is worth it. And sometimes they look at forgiveness as a license to keep on living in the flesh while expecting God to jump through hoops they’ve set up. When we have a relationship with God, we get the Holy Spirit living in us and THAT is what keeps us from staying comfortable in our sins. You look at Paul talking to the Romans, and he says, “I sometimes fall and do what I don’t want but with Jesus I don’t have to stay down.” We can walk and drive in freedom when we let God’s forgiveness change us…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.
Monday Matters
Everyday Pure Air
A friend told me the story of a woman in Austria whose father locked her in the basement for over 20 years and in that time, she had children who had never seen the sun or even breathed fresh air.
Everyday Pure Air
A friend told me the story of a woman in Austria whose father locked her in the basement for over 20 years and in that time, she had children who had never seen the sun or even breathed fresh air. To them the basement was a normal world. When the police found them, the air was so vile they had to tear down walls and bring in fans just to breathe.
But it’s like we too are living in a basement, a world not perfect, one infected with sin. We don’t even realize we’re breathing putrid air because this is our “normal.” But through the acceptance of God’s love and forgiveness we can believe He’s a Redeemer, working all things for the good with a purpose for us to serve eternally… breathing pure air forever. Look to 1 Corinthians 2:9 with anticipation because “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him”…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop?
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop? Sometimes laughter comes when you’re not supposed to be laughing like in a meeting or at church but it’s such good medicine. Laughter draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and even protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Nothing works faster or is more dependable on bringing your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there’s: “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” Let’s find ways to put more laughter into our diets instead of obsessing with everything that bugs us. You really can find humor in a hard place and it’s so freeing and truly one of the best medicines for overall health…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things.
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things. Jesus calls us to be kind and tenderhearted toward everyone, even to those we don’t like. That’s hard when someone hurts us. But Romans 12:9 is clear; “Let your love be genuine and outdo one another in showing honor.” Personal, political, religious, and any other type “opponents” should be treated with kindness. This means assuming the best, and not the worst, of difficult people. Forgiveness doesn’t release the one who’s hurt you, it releases you. And often forgiveness is a process. There are times I forgive but then I pick up the offense again because I’m triggered by an event.
Having a tender heart is the willingness to see the pain from the point of view from the other person’s perspective and see them as God does. This only can happen through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Healing comes when we allow God’s grace into our struggles…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday God Covering
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort Psalm 91:4
Everyday God Covering
When feeling lonely or afraid I go to the Psalms for comfort Psalm 91:4 really hit me the other day; “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Imagine God like the Psalm reads-- a strong and majestic eagle Who’s there to shield you with His wings and protect you with His feathers.
When you’re fearful and anxious don’t think about the “what ifs” and other scenarios that will make you more anxious. Instead think about God’s promises of protection and redemption. Visually picture God comforting you as the child you are. In Romans 8:28 He promises to work all things for the good. Not all things are good, but God always is. It takes courage to walk forward in faith despite your feelings, but you can do it because God, the Protector will cover you and be right by your side...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.
Monday Matters
Everyday Lies
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.
Everyday Lies
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 Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is.
Everyday Itchy Sin
Hidden sin is attractive but once exposed, we see how ugly it really is. But often a person acting in sin can’t see the truth of how what they’re doing is not only hurting themselves but also others around them. C.S. Lewis in, The Great Divorce says sin is like an itch that needs to be scratched. At first, it’s small but the more it’s scratched the better it feels. After a while the itch becomes less, but you actually long to have it back. Sin is that way, when you aren't satisfied by it anymore, you still long to have it. Only God can take that desire away.
Sin costs us and the real loss isn’t just on earth but the loss of eternal life if unrepentant. Good news is that if we change our ways and accept God’s grace, we have life, which is what 1 John 5:12 talks about with repentance which is simply turning from our ways as Director of our lives to His direction and this always brings true freedom, forgiveness and life now and into eternity…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests.
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests. He’s smart, outgoing and he really cares about me. I’m so happy!” “But you said, ‘just about perfect,’ what’s missing?” “Well, he believes in God, but I don’t know if he has a relationship with Him.” “Well,” said dad, “Remember when we were looking at buying a house for you and there was one that seemed just about perfect? The size was great, super landscaping and not only was the outside beautiful but the hard wood floors, tiled kitchen, and every painted room was amazing. But the foundation was cracked and so it wasn’t an investment you were willing to make.”
When looking for a spouse the best blueprint to follow is found in Ephesians 2:20 finding someone whose foundation is built with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone so you can build a strong marriage. Take the time to pray to God and with your potential spouse about marriage. It’s most important part in planning a wedding…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Feeling Indicators
Lately life’s been hard, so I have been saying to myself once again; “Debbie your feelings are indicators, don’t let them be dictators.
Everyday Feeling Indicators
Lately life’s been hard, so I have been saying to myself once again; “Debbie your feelings are indicators, don’t let them be dictators. I get it. My feelings are valid, and they indicate good and bad things happening in my life, but I shouldn’t let them lead me, especially when I feel afraid. Rather, I cry out to God and say, “I’m afraid. Help.”
I read this post on Instagram which said, “And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid, so I did it, I lost my fear and gained my whole life. We may feel fear but the way to lose “it” is to go forward in courage from the grace and strength God gives. The only way I can do that and leave my fear behind is by looking to God for hope rather than white knuckling it. I think a lot on what God says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t fear or tremble before them, because the Lord your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you. He won’t leave you or abandon you” …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.
Monday Matters
Everyday Good Shepherd
Sometimes my heart is so heavy I think it might explode. There are people I love who are hurting, people who have lost a loved one, or they’re estranged from their children
Everyday Good Shepherd
Sometimes my heart is so heavy I think it might explode. There are people I love who are hurting, people who have lost a loved one, or they’re estranged from their children, people that feel misunderstood or rejected, and people who have relapsed into addiction and who now are feeling shame and despair.
You know others are suffering deep wounds and so you think you can't lament about the heavy burden you're carrying yet the anxiety and loss is so great that it's hard to lift your head up and hope. Not that long ago I sobbed into the arms of my husband. And yet, as wonderful as my husband is, he is not the Good Shepherd who understands me completely.
When your feelings become overwhelming, and fear creeps in, it can be debilitating but Jesus, the Good Shepherd promise to carry you through. Don’t let the feelings decide your future but instead let God’s truth from Isiah 40:11 lead you, “He tends His flock like a Shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Alongside
There’s someone hurting who needs healing, someone unloved who needs our touch; elderly, needing to feel that we care; and someone who is weak and needs the support of our shared weakness.
Everyday Alongside
There’s someone hurting who needs healing, someone unloved who needs our touch; elderly, needing to feel that we care; and someone who is weak and needs the support of our shared weakness. I get it. Late author and speaker Brennan Manning gets it. He shared; “One of the most healing words I ever spoke as a confessor was to an old priest with a drinking problem. “Just a few years ago,” I said, “I was a hopeless alcoholic in the gutter in Fort Lauderdale.” “You?” he cried. “O Thank God!”
When we bring a smile to the face of someone in pain, we have brought Christ to them. I know hurt, ache and pain. What helps me? It’s NOT to hear more of what I should and should not do. I need to hear; “There’s hope. I’m sorry for this ache in your heart.” God fully knows and loves us and He’s not disappointed in us. He’s disappointed when we don’t change our sinful ways. Come alongside the one who needs God’s grace and mercy just as much as you do…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Appearance
“Oh sure, you can post photos of me on Facebook, but I can always ask you to delete them.”
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 Sins of Others
It’s painful enough when someone we love sins, but it’s made extra difficult when their choices result in us experiencing pain and grief too. It’s hard.
Everyday Sins of Others
It’s painful enough when someone we love sins, but it’s made extra difficult when their choices result in us experiencing pain and grief too. It’s hard. I’m sorry if you’re there in that place right now. You’ve made a mistake; you have consequences but so do others around you. But it’s often in times of conflict that we’re drawn closer to God. His promises are ones of absolute hope, and He promises that “all things will work for the good” if we trust in Him. It’s also in the Bible that the words “fear not” are written 365 times. There is grace for each day of the year.
Another promise in Hebrews 13 is God’s emphatic love for us; “He says, I will not in any way fail you or leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not ever leave you or let you down.” God is real. He is the comfort you need from all your fears in a very real way…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.
Monday Matters
Everyday Seat at the Table
Come sit down. Let me hear your story, your heart. Tell me what you’re feeling because your feelings are valid, and you are welcome at my table.
Everyday Seat at the Table
Come sit down. Let me hear your story, your heart. Tell me what you’re feeling because your feelings are valid, and you are welcome at my table. We all are welcome at God’s table too because we’re all created and loved by Him. He will never reject or withdraw His love from us, but He does reject sin. Sin is not welcome at the table. It’s taken me years to really grasp that God fully knows me and yet He fully loves me, completely, just as am. What God doesn’t love is sin because it’s a barrier to us having a relationship with Him. Sin wins unless pardoned.
Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross to pay the full price for our sin. His resurrection proves He succeeded. Come and sit, invite others to sit at God’s table with you. Through God’s unconditional love He will show Himself with all we need to be filled with hope and peace…everyday.