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

Leave the Past Where It Belongs

 

By Andrea Merrell

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

 

“Don’t be like the Israelites,” the speaker said. “God led the whole crew out of Egypt in a day—out of the bondage of slavery and abuse. But because they were not willing to fully accept their deliverance and freedom, they wandered in the desert for forty years instead of entering the Promised Land within a few days.”

The woman beside me shivered and stared at the floor as the speaker went on to say, “If you are a child of God, you have been redeemed. Forgiven. Set free. You are a new creation. A brand new person in Christ Jesus. It’s time to let go of your past so you can move forward.

The woman looked at me with tears streaming down her face. “How do I do that?”

My heart broke as I tried to comfort her, especially knowing that so many of us have asked that same question. How do I do that? How do I let go of past sins? Guilt? Shame? Condemnation? How do I walk in the freedom Christ Jesus paid for?

The Word for You Today says:

If you are in Christ, you’re no longer defined by what you’ve done wrong; you’re defined by what Christ has done right on your behalf. You are a new creation, but sometimes it takes time for your new nature to become second nature.

The Bible clearly tells us that when we belong to the Lord, we become new creations—a brand new person. Our new life begins, and the old life fades away.

If you’re bound by the past and struggling to become that new person God created you to be, give yourself time to let your new nature become second nature, as natural as your next breath. Let go of your past and leave it where it belongs—in the past!

Photo by Greg Jewett on Unsplash