Everyday Matters by Debbie Griffith

10/31/2023

Praying

Tuesday Matters- October 31, 2023
Everyday Simple Prayer

Sometimes I like reading the Message Bible because of its everyday relatable language. I mean look at Matthew 6 telling us how to pray The Lord’s Prayer; "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place and just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. God knows better than you what you need. Pray simply: Our Father in heaven, reveal who You are. Set the world right; Do what's best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! You can do anything you want! You're ablaze in beauty…everyday!

10/30/2023

Speaking

Monday Matters-October 30, 2023
Everyday Useful Words

Two most useful words that we need to actually use more often are “okay” and “no.” Many times, we’re trying to be such people pleasers, so we say YES instead of NO, or we try and fix ourselves and others when it’s better to say, “Okay” and accept what’s happening. It could go like this, ““No, that is not who God says I am,” or “No, that is not where God wants me” followed by, “No, I will not be an approval addict.”
The other useful word “Okay” can work like this; “Okay, you see it this way and I don’t.” “Okay, I am sick right now, but it will pass.” In scripture we read where Jesus didn’t answer at all but allowed people to follow their own folly and He mostly used the word “no” when speaking to the religious leaders. Do you trust God to the extent that even when it's hard you’re at peace to say, “Okay” and “No?” I’m not there but I know with Him it’s possible and useful in moving forward…everyday.

10/27/2023

Appearance

Friday Matters- October 27, 2023
Everyday Looks

“Oh sure, you can post photos of me on Facebook, but I can always ask you to delete them.” My friend posted photos from a gathering and after viewing I wrote, “Please delete.” I appreciated that she took them down and didn’t judge me because of it. I KNOW I’m my worst critic and I KNOW that beauty comes from the inside, but I also know that it’s okay to care about what we’re communicating with how we look on the outside. My attitude changes when I take a shower and put a bit of effort into my outside appearance.

But our value and worth are not in our outward appearance. Our worth and value is who God says we are and the person that He uniquely created. We are not a mistake, and He doesn’t make junk. It’s hard because all of us tend to first judge others by looking at their outsides but what holds our attention is the beauty that’s on the inside. So, remember Proverbs 31:30; Charm is deceptive, and beauty doesn’t last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised…everyday.

10/26/2023

Shame

Thursday Matters- October 26, 2023
Everyday Shame

Jenny said, “The knowledge of my husband's addiction caused me great shame. I remember being in a mom’s group and conversations going on about all the normal mom-stuff like potty-training, sleepless nights, a shared recipe and the entire time I’m smiling and pretending. I thought; ‘If only they knew.’ I was afraid to let go of this image.” I’m so sorry if you’ve been through that hard place of betrayal like Jenny. But please share your story because you’re not alone. Shame keeps us hidden, hurting and silent. It builds walls and fights against being real.

You need to know that “guilt” says you did something wrong. “Shame,” on the other hand, says that you are something wrong. You are NOT something wrong you’re your hurt feelings aren’t wrong. Jesus loves you, me and all the “Jennies” our there. He loves us where we are and in Matthew 11, He says to come as you are. Alright then, let’s give it to Him. It’s gonna be okay and it will get better…everyday.

10/25/2023

Encouragement

Wednesday Matters- October 25, 2023
Everyday Sharpened

Do you know someone who’s served in the military? I know many and one of them is my husband, Dan. Military persons serve as an act of love for others. I remember Dan telling me that in the army they were constantly drilled that they needed to keep their weapons clean and ready for use. A useless weapon not only made the soldier useless, but also a liability because now someone else needs to pick up the slack. In Ephesian 6 God gives us a list of armor, but only one weapon—the Bible which is the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon of the six God’s calls us to “put on.” Our knowledge of the Word is its sharpness.

There are so MANY things screaming for our attention and I’m sure, like me, you are being pulled in many directions. But God never changes no matter what the direction of our day is. So Let the Word of God be in your head and heart; sharepend…everyday.

10/24/2023

Jealously

Tuesday Matters- October 24, 2023
Everyday Jealous

A few years ago, I watched a music video of a woman I used to mentor. I was amazed at the talent and beauty she displayed. But instead of feeling happy for her, I was jealous. Sure, I was happy for her but WHY wasn’t I having success like her? Jealousy is one of the most dangerous poisons which can literally destroy us. It’s challenging because we know we shouldn’t be jealous so we pretend it’s not happening, and we find reasons why the other person shouldn’t have success.

I called my husband and said, “I’m jealous.” As soon as I brought my jealousy to the light it no longer had power over me. I was able to congratulate my friend and the poison of envy didn’t infect me. We have a special friendship and I’m proud of her. King Solomon asks; “Who can stand before jealousy?” No one can because it’s as cruel as the grave. It’s hard to be honest about this part of our lives, the jealousy that creeps in so let God show you the success He has for you with the gifts He’s given you…everyday.

10/23/2023

Friendship

Monday Matters-October 23, 2023
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.

10/20/2023

Pride

Friday Matters- October 20, 2023
Everyday Me Pride

Pride is a difficult problem for us to deal with because it hides. We can see pride in everyone else’s life but often not our own. Pride deceives us and causes us to think we don’t have it. Obadiah 1:3 tells us, “The pride of your heart has deceived you.” “Yeah,” I think, “Me, Myself and I are my greatest problems.” It takes humility and compassion to forgive others while not focusing on their failures. Remember in a season of diversity and debate, “Seek to win people, not arguments.”

Pride and love do not mix. Love is not proud, and it keeps no record of the hurt from others. Love “shakes it off.” Love doesn’t look down on others but how often when we feel bad about ourselves do we put someone else down because it’s easier than looking at our own junk? So, let’s pray, “God help. Fill us with Your love and grace to accept others as You do with genuine authenticity. Thanks, and AMEN…everyday.

10/19/2023

Sin

Thursday Matters- October 19, 2023
Everyday Other’s Sin

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.

10/18/2023

Freedom

Wednesday Matters- October 18, 2023
Everyday Fun Freedom

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.