Know When to Move On

 

By Andrea Merrell

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking

 forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the

 race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, 

through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

 

“Things change,” my friend said. “It seems nothing ever stays the same. I guess it’s time for me to move on.”

Her words caused me to look back over the years at all the seasons of my life I thought would last forever. Jobs. Relationships. A home church. But as the old saying goes, “When one door closes, another one opens.”

What I learned through each scenario is that when we belong to the Lord, He has a plan and purpose for each of us. There are seasons of our life that may last a few days, a few months, or even a few years. The good news is He gives us grace for each season—and when it ends, so does the grace. That’s when we know it’s time to move on.

I’ve tried to hang on at times, even when I knew a certain season had come to an end. It’s easy to become a creature of habit and resist change. But change is never a bad thing when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide.

Paul said he had learned to be content in any given circumstance (Philippians 4:11). He made the best of it and did what he was called to do. But he also knew when it was time to move on to his next assignment. He changed his focus, forgot about the past, and looked forward to what lay ahead.

Don’t spend your time looking back, grieving over what was. Keep your eyes on the Lord, as Paul did, and let Him lead you into your next adventure.

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven on Unsplash

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.