Always Be Prepared

 

By Andrea Merrell

The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 NKJV

Why is it that when we’re out running errands and looking our worst, we run into someone we know—usually someone we haven’t seen in a long time who doesn’t know we don’t normally look that bad?

Or what about the times an unexpected guest drops by when the house is a wreck or we’re still in our PJs? Why didn’t they come two days ago when the house was immaculate and we were dressed?

Maybe we should adopt the Boy Scout motto: Always be prepared. This can apply to every area of our life but especially to our Christian walk.

We know that the day of Jesus’ return is getting nearer, yet no one knows the exact moment—no one except the Father. The Bible says Jesus will come as a thief in the night. Suddenly. Unexpectedly. Will we be watching and waiting? Will we be ready?

It’s easy to get caught up in the problems and anxiety of everyday life, allowing our attention to be drawn away to other trivial matters. We go along our merry way thinking we have plenty of time to bring our focus back to the Lord.

But the Bible says in Luke 24, Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly. (vs 34 NKJV).

Friend, Jesus could come back today. Will He find you waiting and watching for His return?

Always be prepared.

Photo by Jinsoo Choi on Unsplash

The Wrong Emoji

 

By Andrea Merrell

Be happy with those who are happy, 

and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 NLT

Emojis are everywhere. They have infiltrated our technology, and we all love and use them. There is an emoji for just about anything you can imagine—from love to tears to shock to anger to prayer and everything in between. We like to choose our favorites when responding to a text, post, or email.

But have you ever inserted the wrong one?

I have a friend who accidentally inserted a laughing face when responding to a very serious situation and prayer request, causing confusion and hurt feelings.

It made me think about how important it is to respond and share our feelings with others in the right way, both in our words and body language. It can be very hard to read someone and know what’s really in their heart.

The Bible tells us to be happy with those who are happy. To rejoice and celebrate with them. To share their joy. It also tells us to weep with those who weep. To empathize with them. To share their sorrow.

In a cruel world full of insensitivity, it’s critical for believers to let the love of God flow through us to others.

The next time you respond to someone—whether through technology or face-to-face—make sure you convey the right message.

 Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and farconville.

Dealing With Dis-Ease

 

By Andrea Merrell

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain 

to life and godliness, through the knowledge

 of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

 

The conversation centered around the growing number of diseases in the world—physical, mental, infectious, degenerative … the list went on and on. We talked about causes, medications, and treatments. It was actually quite depressing.

I looked up the word disease. According to one source, it simply means a condition or illness that impairs someone’s health or interferes with the body’s normal function. An abnormal condition.

Upon further research, I found the word broken down like this: dis-ease. In that form, it could apply to anything that hinders or takes away from our ease. Our comfort. Our well-being. Our peace.

The Bible says that Jesus’ divine power has already given us all things—everything—that pertains to a godly life. The Message puts it like this:  

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 

It is the Enemy of our soul that comes to steal, kill, and destroy—our blessings, our dreams, our desires, and every promise in God’s Word. But Jesus came to give us abundant life. When we keep our focus on Him, He promises peace and joy that cannot be explained or surpassed.

In God’s kingdom there is no dis-ease.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com and Xhiliana. 

Things We Take for Granted

 

By Andrea Merrell

Always be thankful. Colossians 3:15b NLT

 

I awoke to a winter wonderland. A blanket of white covered the ground as far as the eye could see.

My first thoughts were how peaceful and beautiful as I turned up the thermostat, made a pot of coffee, and prepared to snuggle in and enjoy some quiet time.

Then my thoughts—and prayers—turned to those who don’t have a thermostat, a coffeemaker, or a place in which to snuggle. Those who are homeless. Those who live in ditches and under bridges without food and proper shelter.

I suddenly found myself filled with gratitude as I became painfully aware of everyday blessings I take for granted. A nice home with heat and air conditioning. A good car that takes me where I need to go. A full refrigerator and pantry. Money to live and pay my bills. Health. Strength. Family. Friends. An awesome church. I could go on and on.

God blesses His children, but He expects us to be aware of where those blessings come from and for us to be thankful—not just on a designated holiday but every single day.

The next time you’re tempted to feel like you’re missing out, stop and take inventory of everything God has given you, things you typically take for granted. You just might be surprised how very blessed you are.

An Uncluttered Mind

 

By Andrea Merrell

In my dream, I saw inside my mind. On one side sat drawers, cabinets, and shelves full of neatly organized files and notes. A large, framed to-do list hung on the wall over them.

A perfectionist’s dream. I smiled at the neat and tidy arrangement.

Then I turned to the other side and gasped. Chaos. Papers scattered everywhere. Nothing in order. It looked as if a tornado had just passed through.

I turned back to the perfect side and thought, That’s how I like to do life—everything planned and in order. But I realized how easily I could get overwhelmed and fall back into the chaos, losing my peace.

“Which is better, Lord,” I asked.

Neither, my child, came the answer. One is unrealistic; the other causes stress and anxiety.

“So what should I do?”

Unclutter your mind. Take your eyes off all the things that need to be done, and keep your focus on me. I will bring order to your thoughts and lead you step by step.

I don’t normally remember my dreams, but this one stuck with me. Several Scriptures came to mind.

• “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV)—and His mind is not scattered.
• “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:3 NLT).
• “You keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).

So which way is better? Without a doubt, God’s way.

 

 Photo by Hillary Black on Unsplash