Everyday MattersThere's a reason for everyday.
Despite the bad and the good, everyday matters. |
12/5/2023
Life’s TrialsTuesday Matters- December 5, 2023
Everyday Hard Places Ya know how sometimes you get physically sick, like the flu and it's not because you're not reading the Bible enough or doing enough acts of service, you just get sick. Well sometimes you get emotionally sick and it’s not because you’re a “bad Christian.” There can be all kinds of factors that play into all kinds of sicknesses like lack of sleep, an infection, a damaged relationship and sometimes we need medication to get well. It’s okay. Remember that no matter what emotional or physical state you’re in, God loves you as you are. We’ll go through challenging seasons where it doesn't make sense but it’s in the hard places where we grow. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “that His strength is perfected in our weakness.” Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is just let go and let God take care of us or by asking someone for help or taking medication. He works in many different ways and through many different people. In every place and time, He wants you to know how much He loves and values you…everyday. 11/28/2023
Serving OthersTuesday Matters- November 28, 2023
Everyday Grocery Carts The first time I saw the cart lady she was pushing close to 15 carts back into the grocery store. I was surprised I’d never seen the cart lady since my small town only had two grocery stores and I visited this particular one at least three times a week. This woman in her 70’s watched me carefully as I left the store with my cart and after my groceries were in my van, she, without a word took my cart to return it. I stopped her, “Do you work here?” “No,” she replied, “but I figured better get some exercise than sit and watch TV all day.” Last week she noticed me and without a word, helped unload my groceries. As she walked away pushing my cart, she turned grinning, “I like what I do.” Jesus calls us all to love and serve those He puts before us. I think He knows that real contentment comes in giving more than receiving …everyday. 11/21/2023
Real ToleranceTuesday Matters- November 21, 2023
Everyday Real Tolerance Not everyone likes me. I know. I believe in the death and resurrection of Christ being God for the forgiveness of my sins. I would be called a Christian, but it doesn’t mean that all Christians agree on the same beliefs. I have friends of diversity with different beliefs and lifestyles and some things we agree on and some things we don’t. I love people. Only people last forever and how we treat others will be the true legacy we leave behind. No matter who someone is I hope to always listen and learn while being kind. Honestly, I like to be challenged. But I’m not ashamed that I believe John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life.” This view doesn’t make me popular with everyone, but I try and seek God’s approval. My aim is to show the love of Christ by giving grace and treating others with kindness and respect regardless of our different opinions or beliefs…everyday. 11/14/2023
Thought LifeTuesday Matters- November 14, 2023
Everyday God Thoughts We can’t know the mind of God for as Isaiah 55:8 says; “His thoughts are nothing like our thoughts.” But we can know the heart of God and hope in His promises. It should be obvious to us that His ways are past finding out. He wouldn't be a very big God if we could fully comprehend Him with our finite minds. Author Walter Wangerin wrote in his book, “The Ragman” concerning some things that are hard to understand, "We chirp theories because we can't stand the silence." I guess that is how it is when we try to fully understand the purposes of suffering. It is better to admit, "We don't understand, but we believe that God loves us and, yes, that 'our Redeemer Lives'." Someone has suggested that in the margins beside many of our life's experiences is simply written: "to be explained later." Success for each day is not waiting for an answer to our whys but walking in the hope with a way from Him…everyday. 11/7/2023
ShameTuesday Matters- November 7, 2023
Everyday Shame The message of Jesus is to LOVE and forgive others, which you can only do once you have seen your bad self and accepted His forgiveness. There’s this past so many people carry around that’s covered because it’s filled with shame from harming ourselves through “cutting,” an eating disorders, an affair, alcohol, abuse suffered, it’s all yuck. I read that 80% of memories are shame based. People carry shame because they think once they’re fully exposed or discovered they won’t ever be accepted or loved. But when their identity is solid, they’re stable. Psalm 91:1 is my 911 verse. It reads; “She who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will remain stable.” It means that when I can stand still and let myself be exposed. God covers me, my shame, my fear and replaces all that I’m not with all that He is. God can see the real you and He loves you as you are no matter what…everyday. 10/31/2023
PrayingTuesday 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! 10/24/2023
JealouslyTuesday 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. 10/17/2023
HospitalityTuesday Matters- October 17, 2023
Everyday Table Come sit down. Let me hear your story, your heart. All of your feelings are valid and you are welcome at my table. We all too are welcome at God’s table because we’re all His creation. 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 with you. Through God’s love He will show Himself and the best way to be filled and free by what He offers us at His table. Love never fails. Sit in love with others…everyday. 10/10/2023
Sharing JesusTuesday Matters- October 10, 2023
Everyday Airport Lady I was in the airport waiting to board yet another plane. It was all taking too long. I sat down and realized the woman next to me was crying and shaking she was so upset. I didn’t think about it; it was as natural as could be to put my hand on her back and begin rubbing it. I leaned in and asked, “What’s wrong?” The woman replied, “No hablo Ingles.” So I did the other thing that seemed natural, I prayed aloud still rubbing her back while she leaned against my shoulder. I recited the name of Jesus over and over because there’s such power in His name. The woman stopped crying and walked on the plane. A gentleman asked if we wanted to sit together, “Oh,” I said. That’s okay, I don’t know her.” “Oh, I thought Y’all was together?” Nope. The woman departed the plane before I saw her again. This is Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:4, “Comfort those in distress with the same comfort you’ve received from God…everyday. 10/3/2023
Blessings in Hard PlacesTuesday Matters- October 3, 2023
Everyday Praise in Pain It’s bizarre. “Praise God in the pain.” What? But I’ve done this, and it works. Oh, believe me, I don’t feel like praising God, but I do it because I know I have an enemy and he doesn’t like it because it weakens him. Praising God’s goodness, wisdom and love during times of pain and heartache is a beautiful expression of faith in action, a living expression of trust that shows Romans 8:28 is true; “God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to His will.” I came across this little book by Dr. Robert Frost who wrote, “There is nothing more precious to God than our praise during affliction. Not praise for what the devil has done, but praise for the redeeming power of our loving heavenly Father. What He does not protect us from, He will perfect us through. There is indeed a special blessing for those who do not become offended at God during adversity. INSTEAD, we become a special blessing to Him…everyday. |
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