Everyday Matters
Friday Matters
Everyday Set Free
Yeah, I'm here to tell you that you can take a stand against the enemy. You have the right and opportunity to be set free from shame, and a legalistic mindset. Satan is a huge “stinker.”
Everyday Set Free
Yeah, I'm here to tell you that you can take a stand against the enemy. You have the right and opportunity to be set free from shame, and a legalistic mindset. Satan is a huge “stinker.” He tries to rob us of enjoying our lives so he accuses, condemns us and makes us feel insecure because he knows we can't enjoy life and have negative feelings about ourselves at the same time. But God gives us an opportunity to break free out of this “Mind-Trap-Jail.” Jesus said in John 8 that if you abide in His word and you're truly His disciples you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
Many of us have reached that point where we're just so tired of trying to be in control of everything and run the world so I'm asking, “Are you willing to surrender and ask God to help you? Pray, “Lord I'm tired and I want to have peace and joy in my life and so I give you my will to do Your will. Now go and walk out in the freedom God has for you… everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Offense Taken
We can say we trust in God to avenge or defend us, but when we take matters into our own hands, we aren’t putting a lot of trust in God taking care of our hurt.
Everyday Offense Taken
We can say we trust in God to avenge or defend us, but when we take matters into our own hands, we aren’t putting a lot of trust in God taking care of our hurt. A big challenge is not to pick up the offense of a friend or family member who’s been hurt. I’m guilty there. But when we take on someone else’s offense, we’re sucking the poison of their sin, and we become bitter along with them.
I’ve seen this happen when a parent’s anger towards someone passes on to their children. Remember if only one side of the story is presented you don’t have the whole truth and may have a cocktail of lies. It’s the enemy’s plan to ruin relationships. God’s plan is to restore. Follow Deuteronomy 30:19 which tells us to make the choices which bring life so that we and generations to come may live meaningful lives. More is caught than taught and the way your children trust God will have a lot to do with the way you trusted God in relationship conflicts…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Accept Yourself
Sometimes I get disgusted with myself. It’s when I’m in this place of self-pity and I feel stuck.
Everyday Accept Yourself
Sometimes I get disgusted with myself. It’s when I’m in this place of self-pity and I feel stuck. The way to peace begins with accepting the truth of myself—the whole truth. My struggle to cope with certain people has a simple explanation: they represent to me precisely those things that I have refused to acknowledge and accept in myself.
To accept the truth of my brokenness is unbearable if not impossible, without turning to Jesus. If my vision of myself is not purified by the mercy and compassion of Jesus, I have to get dishonest, camouflage my warts, and present to you a self that is mostly admirable, fault free, and superficially happy. When I accept the truth of me, shipwrecked and saved, and give it over to the person of Jesus, I am at peace even if I don’t feel it. The peace that comes from God and surpasses all understanding, (Philippians 4:7) was provided by Christ on the cross and doesn’t depend on our shifting feelings …everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Cake MERCY
“Dan, c’mon, please pay the bill. My allowance won’t cover it.” I was asking for grace from my husband as I handed him the bill for spending too much
Everyday Cake MERCY
“Dan, c’mon, please pay the bill. My allowance won’t cover it.” I was asking for grace from my husband as I handed him the bill for spending too much at J. Crew Clothing. Whew…he forgave and paid the bill. But when I went home, I discovered that a stick of butter, my special cake plate and a container of frosting was missing. My nephew had baked a cake while I was away. I called and scolded him for not replacing my supplies.
When I hung up the phone, I realized I was acting like the ungrateful servant in Matthew 18. A king was about to punish this servant for a debt of millions but instead had pity and forgave. The servant, not grateful, instantly found his friend who owed him thousands and had him thrown in prison. I got the memo. God gives fresh mercy to us so how can we afford to withhold mercy from others …everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Eager Beaver Grace
Suzy-Eager-Beaver grabbed her free tickets for the biggest country music event her state had ever seen. She’d been waiting in line since 5:00 a.m. and giveaways began at noon.
Everyday Eager Beaver Grace
Suzy-Eager-Beaver grabbed her free tickets for the biggest country music event her state had ever seen. She’d been waiting in line since 5:00 a.m. and giveaways began at noon. Later that evening she shared her excitement with Judy and found Judy had received free tickets too but arrived at 2:00 p.m. Somehow it didn’t seem fair. Life is unfair but God is good.
But God’s grace is like that; indiscriminate. His grace gives compassion to the early Eager-Beaver but also to the Grinning-Drunk who receives the same wage ten minutes before closing. We are saved by grace by our faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. We can read in the book of Ephesians about how God’s gift of grace is free and it’s not about our good works but by His good redemptive work on the cross. It’s of great comfort to know that we get fresh mercy and grace every morning. God great love for us is amazing…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Prayer First
I imagine when the future King David is dodging Saul, who’s hot on his trail to destroy him; he’s just like, “Really, can I just get a break here God?”
Everyday Prayer First
I imagine when the future King David is dodging Saul, who’s hot on his trail to destroy him; he’s just like, “Really, can I just get a break here God?” God is on David’s side and no longer on Saul’s because Saul has walked away from God. David gets wind of Saul’s plans to kill him, and his men where they plan on going. And I’m thinking as I read the story in 1 Samuel that David can certainly go to the town and then ask God for protection. BUT instead, David FIRST prays and asks God; “Will Saul destroy the town, and will the people hand me over to Saul?” The Lord simply replies; “He will, and they will,” so David goes back into hiding.
I was really struck by this; thinking how often I do the opposite. I decide on my plans and then ask God to bless me rather than asking for God’s direction first. Wisdom is going to God first because He always knows the best plan…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Sin Barrier
I remember my husband explaining to our four sons’ what forgiveness really is and I loved his explanation. When we forgive someone who’s sinned against us the barrier in the relationship is removed.
Everyday Sin Barrier
I remember my husband explaining to our four sons’ what forgiveness really is and I loved his explanation. When we forgive someone who’s sinned against us the barrier in the relationship is removed. The power to forgive someone who’s maybe not apologized can only come from the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Once forgiveness is given, we can again see the person as God sees them rather than looking at the hurt of the sin every time we picture or see them. God doesn’t ask us to forgive others to earn any favor with Him. There’s nothing we can do to earn His love. He loves us as we are. And when we realize it’s an act of our will and a choice to forgive rather than something we let our feelings decide it can make the process a whole lot easier.
I know from experience that it’s my anger and hurt that makes me FEEL like I can’t forgive, or I’ll never see justice. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can I let go and trust God to work in me to truly forgive and avenge me as He says He will…. everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Justice Delayed
Life is promised to be wonderfully perfect AND with purpose in heaven. This earth is not our home. There’s something more!”
Everyday Justice Delayed
Life is promised to be wonderfully perfect AND with purpose in heaven. This earth is not our home. There’s something more!” Psalm 145:8 is good; “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.” His love for us waits, waits for us to know and accept Him and what He did on the cross for us and our sins.
Dr. Joad was the head of the Philosophy Department at the University of London. He was known for undermining Christianity in the college world. He believed that God was an impersonal part of the cosmos and that there was no such thing as sin. But before he died, Dr. Joad came to the understanding that there was sin as the Bible describes and the only solution for sin was the cross of Jesus Christ. He became passionate about following Jesus. God’s love delayed justice and gave this man time to recognize his sin and receive life in Christ. In this instance, justice delayed is condemnation denied. God and His love are real…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Bouquet Love
I was absent one summer, for an extended period of time, and even though I’m not a “flower person”
Everyday Bouquet Love
I was absent one summer, for an extended period of time, and even though I’m not a “flower person” I cried when I came home and saw this large bouquet greeting me on the kitchen table. It was special and apparently so for our teenage son Joey. He seemed to be continually asking me, “Mom, aren’t those flowers from Dad beautiful?” “Yes. Yes, they are Joey.” And yes, the best thing we can do for our kids is to love our spouse. Unity. If our children see a crack in the foundation, they often find a way to slip through. Of course, we have disagreements and we have had our share of fights but it’s how and where we choose to handle conflict, especially with our spouse.
It’s important for our children to see unity, not division and so we often have to “agree to disagree” while privately we try and work things out. But of course, with the personalities of my husband and I they’ve seen us passionately argue too but they also see reconciliation. Jesus tells us that, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. When your marriage stands strong so does your family…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Through Storms
“I honestly don’t think I can make it through another day. I just don’t.” Ever feel like that?
Everyday Through Storms
“I honestly don’t think I can make it through another day. I just don’t.” Ever feel like that? So, the storm in your life is of hurricane proportions because maybe its finances, or failed marriage. You FEEL overwhelmed, like you might drown. 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.
Sometimes, I just repeat God’s love to me aloud or over and over in my mind for comfort. “I love you; I love you; I love you,” He says. 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 the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. God often uses bad things for a later good…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Repent and Turn
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things.
Everyday Repent and Turn
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things. I sometimes get these crazy anxious thoughts and then have a physical response by having an anxiety attack, but courage is to go forward despite it. I know I need to turn to God 100% to get to the other side.
Turning toward God and from the direction you were going is what “repent” means. In God’s holiness He must punish sin but, in His love, He didn’t want to punish us. Christ proclaims our infinite worth and His eternal love for us aside from any human standard, even our own. We will live forever in a community of equals – saints and sinners, all, saved by grace. Remember Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Our temporary imperfection is a quality which actually connects us to others rather than a secret shame which sets us apart. I still get anxiety attacks, but in faith I trust Christ…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you?
Everyday 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.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Sharing Our Hurt
Believe me I know what it means to hurt. The recovery from my scoliosis back surgery was horrendous both physically and emotionally
Everyday Enough in Jesus
Who are you? Do you believe who others say you are or who Jesus says you are? So many of us hurt with this brokenness because we believe the lies the enemy shouts, telling us we’re not good enough. And guess what? We’ll never be good enough, but GOD IS good and more than enough. HIS grace IS available for every situation, feeling and circumstance we go through. Romans 8:37 tells us; “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Shame has no place in our lives.
Travel one day at a time and know that you’re not alone. You’re not a mistake and your past doesn’t define you. My life has been turned upside down and inside out. It has taken sharp turns that I never envisioned or planned for and that may be true for you too. But no matter how life tries to shake you, shame you or shock you, the unconditional love of God, with no condemnation, will do the same and make all things new and beautiful…everyday.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Not Fair
If you’re a mom you’ve heard; “I don’t want to. It’s not fair.” And if you’re like me your sure-fire response has been, “Life’s not fair.”
Everyday Not Fair
If you’re a mom you’ve heard; “I don’t want to. It’s not fair.” And if you’re like me your sure-fire response has been, “Life’s not fair.” BUT “back in the day,” when our four sons were young, I’d respond, “I understand you don’t think it’s fair and I’m sorry you don’t want to. But right now, I’m not interested in what you want. I’m interested in your obedience. I’m not open to discussion, I’m the mom and I’m in charge here.” I was confident and I wanted to help our four sons develop character to walk in obedience and respect and at the same time I wanted to walk in what I knew to be true rather than go with an emotional response.
“Yep” … my oldest responded, “Thanks Mom,” when I read Proverbs 30:17 “The eye that scorns obedience to his mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley.” Thankfully, (through it all) my children still have their eyesight. The message should be clear; in obedience and trust to God we receive our blessings …everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Law Discharged
Following the law is a good thing but more importantly it’s following love that makes all the difference.
Everyday Law Discharged
Following the law is a good thing but more importantly it’s following love that makes all the difference. Look at a verse like Romans 7:6; “But now we are discharged from the Law, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under obedience to the old code of written regulations, but under obedience to the promptings of the Spirit in newness of life.”
Knowing Jesus, we also have the Holy Spirit living in us. Let the Holy Spirit lead, guide, and control you. When we submit to His promptings, we experience new of life. The Law only gives us rules and regulations, and we feel guilty and condemned when we don’t follow them. I am often a rebel rule breaker. “Don’t cut the top of this box cover,” and I want to cut on the line I’m not supposed to. “No thru traffic,” does that really apply to me? I have to live by the Spirit Who gives the desire to do what is right but also the ability and a passion to do it. Oh, to serve God out of love and not of a sense of obligation is so freeing…everyday.
Friday Matters
Everyday Eating
Over ten years ago I never really ate breakfast, unless you counted Diet Coke and chips. I ate what I wanted when I wanted.
Everyday God Thoughts
We live in some dark times and a lot of that darkness is in our own thought life. The best way to overcome the enemy and his dark lies is to think on truth and light. We choose what we think on. I chose to memorize Ephesians 3:16 which goes, “God grant me out of the rich treasury of Your glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power
by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling my innermost being and personality,” I think of that verse as a “sign-me-up” verse. Don’t you want that in your life too?
God gives us His Holy Spirit to make His home in us by the relationship we have with Christ. When the Spirit is stirred in us then there is no place for dark and destructive thoughts. God is good, with good truth and promises. Let Him direct your thoughts. Choose what you think on…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you?
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you? I remember asking our four sons when they were younger and not all knew the answer which is, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” We may know it, but do we live it? There are broken marriages, churches, friends fighting, there’s brokenness. Taking this golden truth to heart is another matter.
Jesus loves us…. really loves us…as we are. And He says, “I give you a new commandment; it is My commandment; it is all I command you; Love one another as I have loved you.” Only compassion and forgiveness count. Love is the key to everything. I think most times we treat others how we think they deserve to be treated but think if Jesus did that with us and gave us what we deserved? I know, right? I’d be toast. Not only do our kids need to be reminded of this, but we do also too and then live by example with kindness toward others by God’s grace not out of vengeance when we’ve been hurt. Simply, love one another…everyday.
Wednesday Matters
Everyday Sharing Our Hurt
Believe me I know what it means to hurt. The recovery from my scoliosis back surgery was horrendous both physically and emotionally
Everyday Sharing Our 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 parent’s 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.
Tuesday Matters
Everyday Popular
I don’t get why Jenny is so popular? She’s not that nice but people seem drawn to her?
Everyday Popular
I don’t get why Jenny is so popular? She’s not that nice but people seem drawn to her? Maybe if I try act more like Jenny and dress and wear my hair the way she does I’d be liked more and more popular? Have you been stuck in the shadows where you don’t realize the beauty of how God created you? He doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to another and be something we’re not because He didn’t make a mistake with you.
Life can be hard and I think we’ve all had those moments thinking the grass is greener on the other side but guess what? That grass has to be mowed too. When I read Ephesians 12, I see that I’m God’s workmanship and He’s created specific things for each of us to do by the way He created us. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on being the blessing God created you to be with the gifts He’s given you…everyday.
Monday Matters
Everyday Sharing Our Hurt
Believe me I know what it means to hurt. The recovery from my scoliosis back surgery was horrendous both physically and emotionally.
Everyday Tired Mom
Last week after attending a “mom’s group” a friend wrote and said, “I know God’s strength is there. I know the verses that are there. But sometimes I just need to vent how tired I am of being “the mom.” I wanna scream, ‘My joy is being robbed!’”
I’m so glad she felt safe enough to share her heart and vent! She didn’t want a solution or a string of Bible verses from me. What she needed was a friend who had been there too. She needed to be heard. That’s it. And how many times has God told me, “Sometimes Debbie the best way to love someone is for you to keep your mouth shut!” This is basic advice from Ephesians 4:2; “Be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love.” Communicate love for a friend by simply letting them know you’re there for them, ready to listen, ready to pray and acknowledge the hard places. It’s who Jesus is for us…everyday.