Category: <span>thoughts by Debbie West</span>

Forgiving
Published September 6, 2019

Forgiving

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid…. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good….’”
Genesis 50:19-20

Joseph had every reason to be bitter: his brothers had just sold him into slavery. One could argue that he had it coming: his dad played favourites and Joseph really rubbed it in with his older brothers.

After being sold, he ended up in Egypt. After working his way into a good position, he was thrown into prison for two years. Even though he became a powerful man in the end, many would say he had a right to hold a grudge against his family.

Somewhere through a lot of ups and downs in his life, Joseph learned the value of forgiveness. When his brothers came to him in a time a great need, Joseph chose to put his hurt and anger behind him and acknowledge that God had used every circumstance for good. Many lives were saved through events that had originally caused him great pain.

Forgiveness is something that can be misunderstood. From small irritations to major life-changing hurts, we all need to forgive. It’s a choice, and it’s also a process. Often a hurt must be dealt with before forgiveness can come.

Most of all, forgiveness is for us, not our offenders. It releases us to live in freedom and to learn from the hurts in our past. But it’s not for weaklings; it makes us stronger.

Lord, show me if I need to forgive. Deal with my hurt and guide me to set things right before You and others. Amen.

By Debbie West
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The Worry-Free God
Published July 2, 2019

The Worry-Free God

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life….” Matthew 6:25a

Worry and anxiety constantly plague us. We worry about completing our to-do lists, what our bosses or co-workers think of us, or having enough money to make it through the month. It sometimes gets to the point where we don’t feel right if we’re not worried about something.

I know people who find part of their identity in being worriers and who actually define themselves by it. But when Christians do this, it seems like a major contradiction. Worry is another word for fear. And in God’s Word, the message is clear: do not worry (Matthew 6:25). Do not fear (Isaiah 41:10).

In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul writes that God did not give us a “spirit of fear.” So if fear is not from God, then it can be defeated through the work of God’s Spirit in us and through the renewing of our minds in Christ. Changing our fearful minds is hard work, but the Apostle Paul challenges us to “work out our salvation” with the fear of God, not out of fear of the world around us (Philippians 2:12).

Our world is full of frightening things. We are all works in progress. But when someone becomes a believer in Christ, that person gains the power to overcome fear. We are children of the One who created the world and everything in it, and co-heirs with Christ who overcame the world (Romans 8:15-17; John 16:33).

Lord, I recognize that worry is an attempt to control things over which I have no control. Fear rules in my mind when the things and people around me seem bigger and stronger than You. Forgive me and help me switch my thinking from fear to trust in You. Amen.

Thought: Write down some of the things you worry about on a regular basis. Ask God to show you where this worry comes from. Then ask Him to help you take steps to overcome the habits of worry and anxiety.

It’s hard to trust someone you don’t really know. Take some time to get to know God in “The Spirit-Filled Life.

By Debbie West
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Kindness to a Thief
Published June 28, 2019

Kindness to a Thief

“…Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

The news reported the attempted robbery. A young man tried to hold up a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant in Texas, but in the process was caught and arrested.

The news crew spoke to the store manager. He had sat with the teen while the police took statements. He told the young man that he had a bright future ahead of him if he would only turn from the path down which he was headed. Instead of condemning him, the manager showed that he cared about him. When the reporter asked why he had taken time with the young man this way, he replied, “It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.”

Don’t we serve an amazing God? He loves us even in our rebellion. He cares for us even when we make the same bad decisions over and over again. While we continue in our self-destructive ways, he is still there, speaking life.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tries to convince the early church not to condemn those who do wrong because God has shown them such grace. How can we show the grace of God if we judge others? No one wants to be in relationship with someone who they think disapproves of them. No one wants to know a God they think will zap them at every wrong move.

It’s the love of God that brought each one of us into a loving relationship with him and it’s our job to show that to the world.

Lord, help me remember that it was your love and kindness that brought me close to you. Teach me how to show that to others. Amen.

By Debbie West
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The Cloud
Published June 21, 2019

The Cloud

“Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.” Numbers 9:17

I put a lot of thought into figuring out God’s will for my life. I don’t know about you, but I fret over where I need to work or live. I pray and ask God if I’m headed in the right direction. I want to make sure I am following where he leads.

Though my intentions are good, I don’t think following Jesus is as complicated as I like to make it. A local radio personality puts it this way, “We are called to love God and serve people.” It’s that simple.

When the Israelites left Egypt, God led them to the Promised Land. Along the way, God appeared in the form of a cloud above the camp. All they had to do was follow the cloud. When the cloud moved, they moved. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. Sometimes the cloud settled for several days. Sometimes it was only there for one day. God’s people never knew how long they would stay in one place. They simply followed the cloud.

I suppose we modern Christians tend to think we need a long-term plan in order to follow Jesus. Just as with business or personal goals, we like to map out where we want to be in 5 or 10 years. I think we all need to remember that God will lead us when we need to move. His Spirit will show us the way. We merely need to know Him so that we recognize his voice and move when he tells us to.

Lord, help me relax when it comes to your will for my life. Help me to know you so that I know when you tell me to stay or go. Amen.

By Debbie Wet
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God Doesn’t Need Pretty Words
Published January 27, 2019

God Doesn’t Need Pretty Words

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7-8

There was a man in the church where I grew up who prayed the most eloquent prayers I have ever heard. He would often pray during the service and when he did, I heard others talk about how beautiful his prayer was. He just had a way with words.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have come before God while I have been in places so dark and confusing that I could barely speak. The most I could utter was, “Help me. I need you, Lord.”

I’ve known many believers, both young and old, who don’t like praying out loud in a group because they don’t feel like they have the right words to say. But if we can get past the words and just share our heart, then we begin to open ourselves up to each other and align our wills with the heart of God.

Jesus taught that it is not the eloquence of speech that God desires when we come to Him in our need. In fact, the only ones who are impressed are other people. He doesn’t delight in fancy words. He delights in a heart that comes humbly to Him.

Even when we have no words, whether from joy or pain, the Spirit, who lives in us, knows our needs and prays for us (Romans 8:26). The Father knows what we need before we even ask. We only need to call out to Him.

Lord, I am thankful that you know me so well. Be near to me. Thank you for hearing what’s in my heart even if my words are few. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Compelled by LoveIs serving God your obligation or passion?
Published October 7, 2017

Compelled by Love

“But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourself whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

Is serving God your obligation or passion?

I was sitting alone in a hotel room in Rome, thinking to myself, “Why am I here?” I grew up believing that in order to be a good Christian, I needed to do certain things. I believed my value was based in what I did for God. Then, God changed my heart. He began to show me what it meant to truly love Him and let that love motivate me to act.

I had committed to a mission trip, which included a week of training in Rome, then two weeks of service in Birmingham, U.K. In the middle of the week of training, I began to doubt my own intentions. As I prayed for clarity, God gave me Acts 4:20, which affected me deeply: “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

The early Christians were not motivated by obligation. They did not live their lives based on a rigid set of rituals. The early followers of Christ were compelled by something much more significant. Many had been in the presence of God in the form of the man, Jesus Christ. They had seen things they could not reason away. The sick had been healed. The dead had been raised. They had experienced a love and a power they had never felt before ? and they could not stop talking about it, even at the threat of imprisonment or death.

If any of us feel like our devotion to God is based on ritual or if we are trying to gain God’s favor by doing something for Him, we’ve got things upside down. We shouldn’t have to ask why we are doing what we are doing if our motivation is love ? for God, and for others.

Lord, why do I serve you? Search my heart and change me if my motivation is wrong. Let me never do anything to earn your love because I already have it. May I never serve from a need for recognition or out of obligation. Help me know you and serve out of the overflow of your love. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Thank God You’re WeakHebrew 11:34 God makes a practice of turning weakness into Strength
Published August 21, 2017

Thank God You’re Weak

Hebrew 11:34 God makes a practice of turning weakness into Strength

“The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel … I will be with you.’” Judges 6:14,16

Israel was in trouble again. They had turned away from God again. And again God gave them over to their enemies. The Midianites came in like a swarm of locusts and destroyed crops and livestock. The Israelites were impoverished and cried out to God for help.

Just like He had done before, God heard their cries and he made a plan to fix things. He chose a man named Gideon to head up the army and get rid of the Midianites.

However, Gideon did not think he was qualified for the job. In fact, he was so hesitant, he asked God for sign after sign to make sure he was hearing God correctly. He was afraid of his family. He was afraid of the people in his town. He snuck around at night so the people wouldn’t see him. This was not the character of a “mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12).

God makes a practice of turning weakness into strength (Hebrews 11:34). Time and time again in scripture we see how God chose the ones least likely to succeed. He chose the youngest, the ones with bad reputations, and the ones with physical limitations. In Gideon, he chose a very fearful man to lead an army.

Why does God choose the weak? God’s answer to Paul, recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is that, “[God’s] power is made perfect in weakness.” Our faith and courage cannot be grounded in our own abilities, but in the strength of our God to carry us.

Lord, help me take pride in my weakness because it is through weakness that your power is on display. Amen.

By Debbie West
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True Praisedevotional
Published April 3, 2017

True Praise

devotional

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Hebrews 13:15

When is praise to God a sacrifice?

It is a sacrifice when I feel like complaining about my circumstances, but I choose to accept them. If I want to truly praise God, I must be content where He has placed me, trusting that He has a reason for my challenging circumstances.

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:10).

It is a sacrifice when I feel justified in holding on to a hurt, but still choose to forgive. A heart that truly praises God must release past hurts to live in the freedom of God’s love.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

It is a sacrifice when I want what I want, but choose to be happy with what He gives me. Accepting the resources God has given me makes me grateful for all that comes from His hand.

“When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things” (Psalm 104:28b).

Praising God means we sacrifice our right to hold grudges and to choose our own paths. We lay down our wants, desires, and hurts on the altar to die. True praise comes from a grateful heart, which comes from someone who gratefully acknowledges the sovereignty of God in his or her life.

Lord, help me be grateful for what you have given me. I praise you, Lord, because you give me good things. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Family ResponsibilityMan alone son friend fog
Published March 5, 2017

Family Responsibility

Man alone son friend fog

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

Lately I’ve encountered many well-meaning people who are frustrated with trying to support their family members. My friend Alyssa has helped her older brother get out of one financial mess after another, only to see him make the same bad decisions over and over again. Another friend, David, is dealing with a family member who is mentally ill but refuses to stay on her medication. She goes from crisis to crisis and calls David to bail her out.

Both Alyssa and David want to follow Paul’s instructions to take care of their families. But, like so many others, they deal with the frustration and guilt of wanting to throw up their hands and walk away.

Paul wrote about helping our family, but he also spoke about personal responsibility. In letters to the Thessalonians, he encouraged the believers not to be idle and not to be dependent on anybody. Jesus didn’t pick up the lame beggar, He told the man to pick up his mat under his own power and walk (John 5:8).

When confronted with a similar situation, it is important to get wise counsel and know you are not in this alone. Have the courage to only offer the kind of help that will encourage your family member to take responsibility and stand on his or her own two feet.

God, give comfort and wisdom to the ones who don’t want to see their loved ones hurting. And give them the courage to set boundaries that encourage personal responsibility. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Debbie West
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The Gift of Experiencedaily devotional
Published February 17, 2017

The Gift of Experience

daily devotional

‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5&6

In the fall of 2013 I found myself in a very deep pit. I was over-committed, exhausted, stressed out, and severely depressed. Circumstances and habits of worry had started me on a downward spiral that ended in extended time off from work, counseling, and medication. I knew I had to make some permanent changes in my life.

Thankfully, I got the help I needed and I began to dig my way out of the pit. Little by little I began to find my footing and learned how to put margins in my life and live healthier. In the beginning, I remember how much it meant to me when someone told me, “You’re going to get through this. You will get better.”

Not only did I get better, I gained more than I ever imagined through the experience. I found my strength and I found my voice.

Read more of Debbie’s story of burnout. https://issuesiface.com/burnout

Looking back on the whole, horrible experience, I see what a precious gift it was. My life and health was entirely in God’s hands — and only then could I experience His strength to get me through. It is a gift I share with other people now. Some people live with the shame of mental health issues like depression, but I found that being open about my experience has forged strong relationships with other people who struggle with similar issues. My story has helped others get out of their own pit and have hope that life can get better.

God, help me be truly thankful for the hard things and send my way others whom can benefit from my story. Amen.

By Debbie West

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The Lost Art of ListeningFriends talking & listening
Published October 1, 2016

The Lost Art of Listening

Friends talking & listening

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 10:19

We live in a world that won’t stop talking. We have 24-hour news stations. We can watch video after video on YouTube. Radio talk shows want listeners to call in or tweet their opinions on certain stories. Our society encourages constant communication.

In light of Proverbs 10:19, I have to wonder if God is pleased with all this talk. In the 21st century, communication is faster and farther reaching than it has ever been — and yet it is so much harder. We are constantly bombarded with talk. But is anyone really listening?

When we are constantly talking, we are not connecting. And God is all about connecting. Connection comes from listening to understand.

As an introvert, I’ve tried to fit in more with our extroverted society. I’ve tried to say more. I’ve tried to be louder. But it wears me out. After many years of questioning God’s motives for making me this way, I’ve come to the conclusion that He did not make a mistake when he gave me a quieter spirit. He gifted me with a temperament that’s drawn towards reflection and listening. I’ve come to believe that attentive silence is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess, as I’ve experienced the difference it has made in my relationships. Therefore, I’ve chosen to hone that skill in my life.

James tells us in the New Testament to be “slow to speak” and “quick to listen” (James 1:19). Practice the habit of listening.

Lord, I live in a world full of people who desperately want to be heard. Help me be a better listener to You and to the people around me. Amen.

By Debbie West

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Work For PeacePrayer to Keep my Peace - devotional
Published September 4, 2016

Work For Peace

Prayer to Keep my Peace - devotional

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 2:26

God often speaks at the most unexpected times. One day I was casually talking with a friend about a situation at my job. In the middle of the conversation I said, “This is driving me crazy.” My friend simply looked at me and said, “Only if you let it.”

In five words, my friend had summed up one of the major issues I have been struggling with for years: how do I keep from giving away the peace I have in Christ?

I confess that I am a perfectionist. If something doesn’t go the way I want it to go, I get anxious and upset. I feel out of control.

I have to remember that the peace of God is with me because the Spirit of God is with me. I must keep my mind on the person and promises of God instead of letting circumstances lead me into thoughts of anxiousness. To me, this means remembering some important truths:

•    I am a child of God (Romans 8:14).
•    God is for me, not against me (Romans 8:31).
•    I have the favor of God (Proverbs 8:35).
•    God’s love for me surpasses my understanding of it (Ephesians 3:19).

It takes practice to keep my mind on Jesus and not on the turmoil around me. But when I can do it, I have His perfect peace in the middle of the storm

Lord, help me cooperate with You to keep my peace. Help me focus my mind on You. Amen.

By Debbie West

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True Confessiondevotional about confession
Published June 26, 2016

True Confession

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all of you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11

devotional

Have you ever had a secret? As children we likely all kept secrets from our parents about the things we did that we knew were against the rules. It’s part of growing up.

As adults, many of us have secrets. We may have done things that have severe consequences if someone found out. We conceal our past actions because they could bring embarrassment or humiliation on us. Maybe we fear the way someone we love will see us if they knew.

The problem with keeping secrets is that they bring consequences of their own. Living in fear of discovery affects our happiness and our relationships. It stands in the way of true intimacy with other people.

King David learned that keeping secrets from God was detrimental to his mind and body. In Psalm 32, David describes how keeping quiet before God about his sin haunted him day and night. He writes, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away…. my strength was sapped.” But when he admitted his mistakes to God, his guilt was gone.

Based on what I read in Scripture, I believe that because of God’s nature and His relationship with David, God had forgiven David’s sin long before David asked for forgiveness. But the guilt David felt lingered. The moment David confessed his sin to God, his guilt was gone, his spirit was lifted, and his relationship with God was restored.

God, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, I am forgiven of my sins. But, Lord, I want to be free from any guilt that I feel. Help me be honest with myself and with You about the truth of my pride and rebellion. Amen.

By Debbie West

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Trust in God’s Justicedevotional
Published June 14, 2016

Trust in God’s Justice

devotional

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”   Psalm 37:5-6

We live in a world that demands justice. It is the top news story nearly every night. Someone was treated unfairly, and the ones who were responsible should have to pay.
We see the same theme in the movies we watch. The bad guys wreak havoc on innocent people; the good guys sweep in and give the bad guys the justice they deserve. It leaves us with a sense of balance and rightness in the world.

But real life is seldom like the movies. Sometimes injustice goes unpunished. The drunk driver goes free. A hard-working employee loses a job because of someone else’s mistake. The thief gets away with someone’s life’s savings. We can get treated unfairly and told that there is nothing that can be done.

David saw his share of unfair situations. In his youth, crazy King Saul chased him around with the intention of killing him. The only thing David was guilty of was being appointed as Saul’s successor. He did not deserve the treatment he got.

But after years of walking with God, David knew the One who would have the last word. Even in an unfair situation, David writes, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). He knew that God was just, and in His time, God could be trusted to bring balance to every situation.

God, when things are unfair, remind me that You are the author of justice. Though I may not see the outcome, help me trust in Your ability to handle every situation. God, may Your justice win so that Your name is praised. Amen.

By Debbie West

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Published September 14, 2015

Quiet Significance

daily devotional

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Social media has seeped into every aspect of our lives. The Wall Street Journal reports that Facebook is now worth $245 billion. The reason why it’s so popular is because it allows us to keep in touch with people. It gives us the platform to express our opinions and our lives. And to be honest, it feels good when people respond to us. When comments show up on a recent post, it affirms who we are and what’s important to us.

But isn’t there something we’re missing amidst all the likes and comments? What about actual connection? Is Facebook something that exists for us just to keep tabs on each other? The truth is it’s easier to hide behind a computer screen than to engage people. Shouldn’t it really be called unsocial media?

I’ve begun policing myself by asking some hard questions: “Why am I posting this rather than calling a friend?” And, “If none of my friends were on Facebook, would I know what is going on in their lives?”

It seems paradoxical to be ambitious about leading a quiet, private life, but that is what the Apostle Paul asks of the Christians in Thessalonica. He was trying to stop the schemes of the busybodies of his day. I think we can take his advice in order to put balance in our lives.

Making real connections with the people God has put in our lives is the way we fulfill our destiny. Social media only resembles real connection. Putting down our devices and reaching a hand to the people directly around us gives us real significance.

Lord, show me my motivation for using social media. Am I keeping real connections with the people in my life? Is the draw of expressing my views and sharing my life with a bigger audience leading me away from the people you have placed in my immediate path? Show me how to use my time wisely and bring balance to my day. Amen.

Action: Take a Facebook fast. Reduce the amount of time you spend on social media for a week. Or make a deal with yourself that for every check of your news feed or every post you make, you must call or meet face-to-face with one friend. (That’s right, call. Texting doesn’t count!)

By Debbie West

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Autumn Foliage Along a Calm Lake Watersmeet, Michigan, USA

Thoughts by All thoughts by Debbie West Thoughts by Women