Debra L. Butterfield

Stories that Stir Your Spirit

Debra

Staying Focused on God

by

The Lord taught me several lessons last year, but I think the one that stands at the top is to be more aware of what I think about.

I can watch the daily news and let it fill my mind with turmoil, chaos, and confusion. Or I can keep my mind focused on God and His Word and let it fill me with His love, peace, and joy.

I’m not talking about putting my head in the sand. I’m talking about controlling my thoughts.

“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV).

[Read more…] about Staying Focused on God

Writing a Book – When the Plot Goes Wrong

by

writing a book

I’m hard at working writing Embracing Her Inheritance, book 3 of Her Inheritance series. I started on it back in July, but I admit, I’ve had a very hard time with this book.

Even though I knew it was to be a romance between Sally and Chase, I wanted it to be more than that. But I didn’t know what more to add.

[Read more…] about Writing a Book – When the Plot Goes Wrong

Patriotism and Thankfulness

by

Marine Corps League (Marine veterans) color guard.
I am thankful. – Marine Corps League members carry the colors in a local parade. That’s me carrying the American flag.

Veteran’s Day was earlier this month. I can’t let it pass without reflecting on my time in the Marine Corps. I love my country deeply and am saddened by what I see taking place today.

Thanksgiving is this week. I’m thankful for the freedoms I enjoy that men and women died to help protect.

For many, Thanksgiving has become another day off from work. A day to join with family for roast turkey and all the trimmings. The meaning and sacrifice that underpins the holiday is nearly forgotten.

[Read more…] about Patriotism and Thankfulness

Would God Do That for Me?

by

Do you question how much God loves you?

Much of this year, I’ve written in my Wednesday Word emails and on my blog about building your faith. And believe me, what I write is a much for me as it is for you.

Since publishing my Bible study, Unshakable Faith, the Devil has constantly attacked me. One of the regular darts he throws is “Would God do that for me?”

At the root of that question is doubt about my worth. Who am I that…

[Read more…] about Would God Do That for Me?

Be Fully Convinced in God’s Word

by

Be fully convinced of what God's Word has promised you.

What does it mean to be fully convinced—of anything?

It means to be absolutely certain, to have no doubts, that something will be accomplished.

Are you fully convinced the sun will set tonight? I’d say so. You probably didn’t even give it a thought, otherwise, you’d be in a panic.

Stop and think about what being certain of something does for you.

  • You have no doubts.
  • You have confidence in its occurrence.
  • You have peace.

Are you fully convinced you’ll overcome any tough situation that might come your way?

Your certainty may have vanished before you finished reading that sentence.

[Read more…] about Be Fully Convinced in God’s Word

Rulers in a Foreign Land

by

The world is in chaos but we've been called to rule in a foreign land.

As I got ready to post this blog, I noticed God has a distinct theme weaving through my life right now: Be strong and courageous.

God has been speaking those words to me for quite some time.

Why? Because things in the world are bad and are going to get worse—it says so in the Bible. I need to be strong and courageous, but He is also telling me to encourage others with the same words.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us the power of death and life resides in the tongue. The writer put death and life in that order for a reason. I can only guess why, but I do know that we human beings are quick to speak the negative rather than positive.

Continually touting how bad things are only continues to make things worse. We’re actually helping the Devil when we speak the problem.

Instead, we need to speak God’s truth.

[Read more…] about Rulers in a Foreign Land

Be Strong and Courageous

by

Be strong and courageous. God is with us.
Image by Iforce from Pixabay

Do you ever wake up discouraged? I know I do. It doesn’t mean I went to bed that way. In fact, the opposite might be true.

Still and all, I can wake up in a discouraged mood. Often this mood is a spiritual attack, but sometimes it’s just me being impatient over God’s promises concerning the work He has given me to do.

I know the Israelites certainly weren’t feeling courageous when Pharaoh’s army bore down on them and the Red Sea stretched out in front of them. If they weren’t feeling courageous, I guess that means they were feeling dis-courageous (scared out of their wits is more like it).

[Read more…] about Be Strong and Courageous

Feeling battle weary? Be victorious starting today.

by

Feeling defeated? Be victorious starting today.

Life has a way of constantly throwing trouble our way. The paycheck falls short of covering the bills. The kids misbehave. The car breaks down. In the last year, price’s everywhere have risen, in some cases even doubled, making it even more difficult for the paycheck.

Lately, it seems all I hear is doom and gloom. Like many others, I believe we are in the last days of the last days. Yes, the seven years of tribulation might be just around the corner, but we do not have to be afraid! We can be victorious today and in the days to come.

[Read more…] about Feeling battle weary? Be victorious starting today.