Everyday MattersThere's a reason for everyday.
Despite the bad and the good, everyday matters. |
11/15/2019
CourageFriday Matters-November 15, 2019
Everyday Carry Burdens “Debbie, how do you apply scripture to your life and live it out?” This was a questions asked by a teenage friend who wanted to know how to live out God’s Word. Anna had shared how she was feeling so exhausted all the time but then it dawned on her she was trying to do and fix everything on her own strength. So she decided to surrender all her burdens to God. It was only a matter of days before a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. So I said, “Anna you’re applying God’s Word from Matthew 11:28. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." God won't give you more than you can bear although it can sure feel like it. You were carrying more than you needed. But you released the load that you weren’t meant to carry. Christ truly gives the right amount of grace every morning for what He calls us to carry…everyday. 11/14/2019
Faithful MarriageThursday Matters-November 14, 2019
Everyday Well Water Marriage Advice 101 from Proverbs 5:15; “Drink water from your own well--share your love only with your spouse, never share it with strangers.” Problems with remaining faithful in marriage usually begin when a person doesn’t feel loved and think they deserve to be happy. The enemy creeps in with his lies telling us that marriage shouldn't be any work and if we really want to have a good time and feel good we should maybe start drinking with someone we find more fun and attractive. When a person acts on those thoughts and feelings that’s usually the time when a marriage begins to dissolve. That’s why it's so important that couples work at making time for one another in a good ol’ fashioned date without their children. Find out your love language and begin communicating in the way each of you knows and feels loved. Validate and be refreshed from the well of love you both have. Marriage is work but it's absolutely wonderful when it is working…everyday. 11/13/2019
JealousyWednesday Matters-November 13, 2019
Everyday Jealousy 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. A few years ago I watched a video of a woman I was mentoring. I was amazed at the talent and beauty she displayed on screen. But instead of feeling happy for her, I was jealous; “Why her?” 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 on her success and the poison of envy did not infect me. I have a great friendship with this young woman 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. Celebrate the successes of others and let God show you the gifts you have to celebrate…everyday. 11/12/2019
Encouraging WordsTuesday Matters-November 12, 2019
Everyday Gentle Answer Sometimes I can talk too much. Even if I’m talking about good things it’s still better if I follow the advice of Proverbs 10:19; “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” I know that the mouth that blesses, praises and prays can also irritate, hurt and harm. One time I was having a heated argument with an unbeliever and out of frustration I wanted to lash out and say something to prove my point but I knew I’d probably regret it later on so instead I actually said Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It was weird but the argument stopped immediately, as soon as I spoke the Proverb. I guess because God had the last Word. I really want Psalm 19:14 to be true in my life, where the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart are pleasing to God...everyday. 11/11/2019
AuthenticityMonday Matters-November 11, 2019
Everyday Real Self I’m pretty sure we’ve all done this; “I’m good. I’ve got this under control,” and we perform like we have it all together. The pursuit of truth is not the moral resolution to avoid petty lying and to stop deceiving others; it’s the decision to stop deceiving ourselves. Rather than admit my own issues I find it easier to find fault with others and compare myself with them. To a certain degree we’ve all tried to cover, avoid, or perform as if there is nothing wrong and we’re certainly not as bad as that other person. Self-deception is the enemy of wholeness because it prevents us from seeing ourselves as we really are. Ask God to show you what you need to see about your real self. He will show you lovingly and give you His grace and strength to face your issues and walk in wholeness so you can love yourself. It’s that kind of self-acceptance and coming to terms with our real personalities which helps us to love others authentically too…everyday. 11/8/2019
God forgives EVERYTHINGFriday Matters-November 8, 2019
Everyday Barrier My husband was explaining to our 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. 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. 11/7/2019
GriefThursday Matters-November 7, 2019
Everyday Compliment Baby Loss Trisha and Ben were excited to deliver their second child but the day before their child was due the doctors couldn’t find a heartbeat. So Tishri was induced and gave birth to baby Brendan, perfectly formed, but already in the arms of Jesus. The following Sunday their pastor brought a message of hope from 1 Thessalonians: “The grave isn’t the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will certainly bring back to life those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” Jill, a friend of Trisha decided to write a song for all the women who know this kind of loss.” The words go like this: “Now I lay you down to sleep, Oh, my baby, sweet and fair, Until we're caught up in the clouds, I take your hand, and we meet God in the air. Until then, I'll miss you. Until then, I'll love you. I can't wait to see you.” Imagine what a reunion that will be…everyday. 11/6/2019
God cares about your hurtWednesday Matters-November 6, 2019
Everyday Compassion for the Hurting 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. Author and speaker, Brennan Manning, who has since left this earth, still inspires me. He said; “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 what it is to hurt and I know 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.” Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who have reason for joy. We are all in this together…everyday. 11/5/2019
ParentingTuesday Matters-November 5, 2019
Everyday Parenting Good wisdom right there in the middle of the Bible; Proverbs 22:6: “Train a child in the way they should go, and when they’re old they’ll not turn from it.” When I had three teenagers at home (and a preteen) I realized that for their behavior to change there needed to be a heart change. Of yea, I’ve said; “I’m not asking what you want. I am asking you to obey.” But there are stages in parenting. First, we train when they are little. Second, we coach our kids by directing and holding them accountable. Third, we cheer on good choices and discourage bad ones. Lastly, we are our children’s fans when they leave home and try and give advice only when asked. Try and speak to your child’s heart and not just their head. To tell a teenager to stop hanging out with a group they like, could get the response; “Let me live my own life.” But if you appeal to their heart and maybe share your past well you might actually see some change…everyday. 11/4/2019
Patience-God IS workingMonday Matters-November 4, 2019
Everyday Farmer “God how are You going to do this and when are You going to do it? Why is it taking so long?” Have those questions been yours? But think about the farmer who tends his crops. He just keeps sleeping and rising and does what he can to enrich his soil and cultivate his crops but leaves the rest in the hands of God. Jesus spoke of the patient farmer in the Bible from Mark 4:26-28. He sows his seed in the ground and then goes on his way, sleeping and getting up each morning and eventually the ground brings what the farmer has hoped for. The farmer doesn’t know how the harvest will come or exactly when it will come but his job is to get up in the morning, do his work and then go to bed at night. He’s patient until the harvest arrives. Wait in hope. God is working. And while you’re waiting you can grow by spending time reading what He says and trusting Him…everyday. |
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