Just the Facts, Man

By Andrea Merrell

 

In the old TV series Dragnet, their catch phrase was “just the facts, man … just the facts." In other words, no opinions, no embellishments. Just tell me like it is.

A fact is something that exists or has been proven true—like the sky is blue and the world round—but in God’s kingdom there is a matter of truth. Or as Webster’s Dictionary puts it, “a fundamental or spiritual reality.” You could say it’s a matter of fact versus truth.

While my body might be experiencing pain or sickness—the facts—God’s Word tells me I am healed and made whole by the stripes of Jesus. That’s the truth. Pastor and author Bob Gass explains it like this:

There’s a difference between the facts and the truth. The fact may be that your prognosis is not good. But the truth is, “the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise [them] up” (James 5:15 NKJV). God’s Word tells us that the same back that carried the cross to take away our sins, bore stripes that take away our sickness.

When the Enemy throws a fistful of negative facts at you, resist him with the Word. You can boldly tell him, “I’m not moved by the facts. Just the truth, man … just the truth."

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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God’s Word tells us that the same back that carried the cross to take away our sins, bore stripes that take away our sickness. ~Bob Gass. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Don't Argue with God

By Andrea Merrell

Seek His will in all you do,

    and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:6 NLT

 

It was an internal tug of war. God’s instructions were clear. Still, I wanted to argue.

But God …

Ever been there? If so, you know it’s not a fun place to be. We seek God with all our heart. We ask for direction and guidance. We desperately need an answer. When He gives it, we balk. Then we try to negotiate.

I’ve learned over the years—the hard way—that arguing with God is as useless as a pilot disagreeing with the control tower’s instructions or a ship’s captain telling the lighthouse to get out of the way. Both the control tower and the lighthouse see the big picture. They know all the risks. And both have the only right answer for safety and well-being.

Staying in constant communication with our Father should be our first and foremost priority. Listening for His voice then heeding His instructions will keep us out of trouble, especially when we don’t know which way to turn. It’s a matter of trust.

If you’re in a hard spot today, seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. 

And remember … don’t argue with God.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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Arguing with God is as useless as a pilot disagreeing with the control tower’s instructions or a ship’s captain telling the lighthouse to get out of the way. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Who Gets the Last Word?

By Andrea Merrell

Forever, O Lord,

Your word is settled in heaven

[standing firm and unchangeable].

Psalm 119:89 AMP

 

It’s funny to watch a one-upper in action. You know, the ones who know it all, have seen it all, and have done it all. The ones who have to have the last word in every conversation.

We all have an opinion. We all want to be right. And we all want to be heard. Some just fight a little harder for it.

But ultimately, what does our opinion matter? Who cares if we’re right or wrong? In the grand scheme of things, it’s God who is sovereign over all. His is the only opinion that counts, and He is the one who gets the last word.

The Bible tells us that one day every single knee will bow to the name of Jesus, both those who adore Him and those who oppose Him. On that day, wealth won’t matter. Education won’t matter. Neither will power, fame, position, or politics.

Who gets the last word? God does. Period.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Sira Anamwong.)

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In the grand scheme of things, God is sovereign over all. His is the only opinion that counts, and He is the one who gets the last word. via@AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Enjoy Your Now

By Andrea Merrell

This is the day the Lord has made.

    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 NLT

 

Appointments. Deadlines. Meetings. Errands. Chores.

Sometimes our mind spins out of control as we stare at our schedule and plan for all the things we have to do. Even planning our vacation can be stressful. We can get so focused on tomorrow that we forget about today.

In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young says:

Most people let their moments slip through their fingers half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.

The Bible tells us this is the day the Lord has made. Today. Now. Every sunrise is a gift filled with new mercies, new blessings, and new opportunities. Our Father desires to take our hand and walk us through each day, showing us the path He has laid out for us.

Don’t spent time worrying about tomorrow or stressing over yesterday. Today is the gift. Embrace it. Give thanks for it.

Enjoy your now.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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Don’t spend time worrying about tomorrow or stressing over yesterday. Today is the gift. Enjoy your now. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Beware of Division

By Andrea Merrell

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 

And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 

Mark 3:24-25

 

Division is not simply a skill we learn in school; it’s something that can adversely affect every part of our lives.

To better understand, let’s look at some of the words that explain division:

• The action of separating into two parts.
• The process of being separated.
• Disagreement between two or more groups.
• Breakup.
• Disunity.
• Conflict.
• Discord.
• Split.

In these trying times, we can find much to worry about. The Greek word for worry means to “divide the mind.” One writer says it “splits you right down the middle.” When something splits, it loses its stability. The Bible tells us when something is divided, it falls.

When we fall prey to doubt and worry, we become double-minded (James 1:8), meaning our mind is divided. This causes us to be unstable in everything we say and do as we focus on the negative and obsess over every problem instead of trusting the Lord. We lose our joy, and we lose our peace.

Coming together in unity—as one in spirit—brings abundant blessings. Jesus said, If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19 NIV).

Do the math … but beware of division.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Sira Anamwong.)

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Beware of division. A house divided against itself will surely fall. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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