Everyday MattersThere's a reason for everyday.
Despite the bad and the good, everyday matters. |
10/6/2023
Unconditional LoveFriday Matters- October 6, 2023
Everyday Fully Loved I remember a discussion with girlfriends’ right out of college and the advice was given, “Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.” Another friend, who had been through a few relationships added, “Debbie, you become who you choose to spend the most time with. Choose wisely.” Girlfriend added, “I mean, if I line up all my ex-loves in a row, I can see the flow chart of my mental illness.” Advice taken. In life’s journey we all want to be known and loved, and Jesus knows us better than anyone and still loves us. He knows me, my pain, my ache, my disappointments, my shame, anger at myself and the part of my heart that hasn’t fully forgiven others. He knows. HE IS here, waiting to make use of what has happened. He is always on the move. He isn’t wasting time, thinking about all the trouble He has with us or how awful we feel about where we are with ourselves and our troubles. God loves us unconditionally…everyday. 9/29/2023
UnbeliefFriday Matters- September 29, 2023
Everyday Unbelieving Husband It’s too bad that not all husbands are Christ followers, and do not love their wives as Christ loved the church, “a woman wrote me. “What happens to those wives,” she asked. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. Admittedly a woman who has a husband that doesn’t see God as his Father-in-law has it harder. And even though I do have a husband who knows and loves God there are times I just don’t feel very loving towards him especially when I don’t think he’s doing “his husband part.” And it’s a lot easier to point out my husband’s flaws than look at my own. But if I ask God to help me love and see Dan as God sees and loves him I’m able to “do right” rather than “be right.” In John 14:15 God asks me, “Do you love Me Debbie?” Yes, of course,” I say. “Then obey Me.” This doesn’t mean picking and choosing what I feel like obeying. I can love honor my husband when I have Christ’s strength and not my own…everyday. 9/22/2023
Marriage UnityFriday Matters- September 22, 2023
Everyday Marriage Unity I’d been helping a couple through some difficult times in their marriage, and I was so encouraged by their willingness to focus on Christ while looking at what they needed to do as individuals. Hey, this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. Hannah wrote saying, “In working on our marriage Ryan and I are finally realizing that we need to look through the eyes of Jesus when we’re angry and frustrated because when anger takes over, we get lost and caught up in our own individual "rights." We lost sight of the goal which is to have a restored marriage. It’s so hard to let go of the offense and hurt but in the end, we know that’s what real forgiveness is, letting the other off our hook and putting them on God’s hook. Please pray that I’ll continue to honor my husband and stay focused on Jesus.” Hannah’s prayer was from Philippians 2:2 and it’s as well, asking God to give us the grace and strength to agree wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose…everyday. 9/15/2023
Peace in LifeFriday Matters- September 15, 2023
Everyday You Should Today I want to encourage you to ask God to help you take the “should” out of your life. Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. Think how often you say; “I should read the Bible, I should memorize scripture, I should attend a Bible study, I should lead one.” But remember what Paul says in 2 Corinthians; “The code of the Law kills but the Holy Spirit makes alive.” When we start thinking “I should” is when we get stuck in being religious. Some religious circles want you to believe that God can only be reached through rule keeping and good behavior. This “religious spirit” was alive when Jesus walked the earth but He died so we could have a close personal relationship with Him and not a religion. Today that same religious spirit still trips people up if they don’t know the truth. Remember the Law was given to show people their need for a Savior. Our personal relationship with Christ enables us to walk in freedom and to be loved as we are, not where we or others think we “should” be…everyday. 9/8/2023
Nine One OneFriday Matters- September 8, 2023
Everyday Secret Place of Stability Psalm 130:1; “From the depths of despair, O Lord, hear my cry.” I’ve had those feelings where I felt I was in the pit of despair along with thoughts, “What if ‘it’ is always like this.” Hey this is Debbie Griffith with Everyday Matters. So, I go to Psalm 91:1 (my 911 verse) reminding me that no matter what I’m feeling I can remain stable by God’s presence and grace. I clearly remember a time in my anxiety where I was in a gas station restroom; filled with fear and the only way I made it out was to put my face against the tiled wall and repeat what I knew was true; “Debbie, you’re safe and stable with Jesus. Take the next step.” Psalm 91:1 tells me that; “She who dwells in the secret place will remain stable, fixed under the shadow of the Almighty whose power no foe can withstand. I picture this secret place where the presence of Jesus is and where the enemy can’t touch me. I take a deep breath, and I move forward. I know God is with me, He’s with you…everyday. 9/1/2023
Connecting to OthersFriday Matters- September 1, 2023
Everyday Wedding Foyer 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 the hats, mittens and snow pants and diaper changes along the way). 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 and praiseworthy 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. 8/25/2023
GospelFriday Matters-August 25, 2023
Everyday The Way 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 I might very well be in that camp but I hate to admit it). Much of the time we get bogged down about being right and putting down how others who are doing it wrong. We end up talking issues, rules, programs or how we should being 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. 8/18/2023
Fully LovedFriday Matters- August 18, 2023
Everyday Fully Loved I’m thankful for God’s Word because He is the Word! HE is our Redeemer! The Bible isn’t about us. The Bible is about God and His redemption. Wickedness is indeed judged, but that’s not the focus of the story. Redemption and restoration to the glory of God is! That's it. The Woman at the Well ran to tell others about a man who met her thirst (Is He the Messiah?)! She did not run back into town to tell others that she felt judged, but rather she ran to let others know, that despite her past, Jesus accepted her where she was at. He is that same God. Nothing we could do would ever take His love away from us nor is there anything we could do to cause Him to love us more. He knows me, my pain, my ache from the loved one I lost, the cancer that came to my husband, and my anxiety attacks. HE IS here, waiting to make creative, redemptive use of what has happened. He knows, He “gets us” and He loves us unconditionally…everyday. 8/11/2023
SignificanceFriday Matters- August 11, 2023
Everyday Titles Years ago I went through what I describe as a “stripping away” from titles that made me feel important. I chose to step down as an artistic director, a spokesperson for a noble organization but I didn’t realize how important these titles made me feel. In Colossians 3:4 God told me, be content with obscurity, like Christ. I was to be content with being unimportant. When Jesus said, “Become like a “little child,” He meant we’re to be willing to accept ourselves as least in importance. The least is a symbol of those who have the lowest places in society; the poor and the oppressed, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. But Jesus concern was that these should not be despised or treated as inferior (Matthew 18:10). He was well aware of their feelings of shame, and because of their humility and His compassion they were of extraordinarily great value. God’s grace falls on us not because of our titles in society, but because it’s His good pleasure to love us just as we are…everyday. 8/4/2023
God UnderstandsFriday Matters- August 4, 2023
Everyday God Understanding “No one understands what I’m going through and it’s not fair.” Does that sound familiar? Yet we can read in Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus experienced every emotion and suffered every feeling you and I do BUT He did it without sin! He didn’t give in to His negative feelings because He KNEW GOD, He is God. You and I will never be able to say “no” to our feelings if we don’t have within us a strong knowledge of who God is and how much He loves us. When my feelings are hurt by someone the best thing I can do is talk to God; “Jesus do You see what’s happening here and what I’m feeling! Thank You for not condemning me for feeling this way. Help me to forgive, and not pay back the person who’s hurt me.” I pray THAT all the time. God knows. He understands. God is able to work with us and our feelings… everyday. |
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