But I Didn’t Mean To …

 

By Andrea Merrell

You have heard that it was said 

to those of old … but I say to you …

Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV

“I’m sorry,” the girl said to her mother. “It just happened. I didn’t mean to.”

It would be impossible to count the number of times I heard that excuse when my kids were growing up. And I don’t even want to think about the times I’ve used those same words myself.

Whether we realize it or not, so many of our reactions are conditioned responses. Learned behaviors that we subconsciously default to—some good, others not so much.

As we grow and mature in our walk with the Lord, there are many things we need to un-learn. That’s why the Bible tells us to renew our mind. To change our way of thinking. To agree with what God says. And to stop making excuses.

Jesus said, “You have heard it said … but I say to you …”  The Word for You Today says, “He was uninstalling Old Testament applications and reinstalling New Testament truths—like changing an eye for an eye to turning the other cheek.” I like to call it revelation knowledge kicking over sacred cows.

We can continue to live by the dictates of the flesh and hold fast to the attitudes and behaviors passed down from generation to generation, or we can make a decision to renew our mind with God’s Word—His truth—and allow His Holy Spirit to transform us. It’s up to us. 

What will you choose?

Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash

Unrecognizable

 

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

Normally, I’m the one who has a hard time recognizing people I haven’t seen in a long time, but this time the proverbial shoe was on the other foot.

I spotted her and immediately knew who she was. This lady was someone I hadn’t seen since high school (many, many moons ago), and she still looked exactly the same. But she walked right past me—even after I said hello and tried to initiate a conversation. She had no clue.

I thought about it a lot afterward. Did I really look that different? Had I really changed that much?

The answer was a resounding YES!

The Bible says that when we are in Christ, we become new creations—an entirely new person. The AMP Classic Edition puts it like this:

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

Fresh and new. I love those two very descriptive words when I think about the changes God has made in my life. With the exception of a few extra pounds and wrinkles and my now silvery white hair, I don't think I look all that different on the outside, but when I look back at the old me (on the inside), I can barely recognize her.

God changes us from the inside/out and makes all things new as we surrender ourselves to Him. If the old you is unrecognizable, thank God for the new person He is conforming into the image of His Son.

Photo by Elisa Photography on Unsplash                         

Where’s Your Focus?

 By Andrea Merrell

 

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

In desperate need of direction, the woman found a quiet, secluded place to spend time with the Lord. She praised, prayed, and tried to listen for the answers she needed, but her thoughts kept taking rabbit trails. Every time she brought them back into focus, they would take off again.

Have you experienced the same? I certainly have. Sometimes when I’m praying or trying to listen, my spaghetti brain goes haywire.

So what do we do with those runaway thoughts?

The Bible tells us to bring every thought captive, especially those things that exalt themselves against God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Why is that important? In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young gives us several reasons to bring our thoughts into the radiant light of His presence:

• Anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away.
• Judgmental thoughts are unmasked.
• Confused ideas are untangled.

The best part is that God promises to keep us in perfect peace as we fix and focus our mind on Him. And His Holy Spirt within us is always ready to give whatever help and guidance we need. All we have to do is ask.

 

Photo by Zachary Keimig on Unsplash

Petty Nonsense

 

By Andrea Merrell

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies

and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking

and from the spiritual powers of this world, 

rather than from Christ.

Colossians 2:8 NLT

“I did not say that.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Well, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”

“It doesn’t matter. It hurt. I will never forgive you.”

Sound familiar? This came from an actual conversation (uh … argument) I heard over something not even worth discussing. But I’ve heard—and been involved in—many others of this type.

It’s amazing how we battle each other over minor, petty, trivial things that no one will even remember next week. Whether it’s from a lack of self-confidence or the need to always be right, those battles get us nowhere. It’s a no-win situation that only hurts all parties.

Even in the Body of Christ, we let those disagreements creep in and separate believers. That’s why there are so many different denominations. Those in leadership cannot seem to agree on what the Bible says, and each group wants things their way—attire, music, doctrine … well, you get the picture.

God created us as unique individuals with our own idea of what is good. Right. Acceptable. And we are free to pick and choose—except when it comes to God’s Word. Paul tells us in Colossians that we should never allow anyone to capture or deceive us with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking.

There have been arguments over dimming the lights in church to not allowing drums on the platform to not allowing people to attend who wear shorts or have tattoos. Years ago I heard of a church that split because the men disagreed on wearing ties to church. Seriously?

Do we really think God is concerned about all this nonsense. Thankfully, He looks on the heart, not our outward appearance. He accepts us just as we are and will draw us to Him by His love in whatever way works best.

Timothy says, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be kind” (2 Timothy 2:24), so let’s stop arguing over things that simply don’t matter and get serious about sharing His love with a lost and dying world.

Photo by Ian ODonnell on Unsplash

The End of the Story

 

By Andrea Merrell

The end of a thing is better than its beginning.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV

The pastor’s wall was covered with diplomas, awards, and accolades of every type imaginable. Well-respected in his church and community, the man took great pride in his popularity and all his accomplishments. He carried his profession around like a trophy.

But just like so many others who take their eyes off the Lord and take credit for all He has done for them and through them, he fell into a sin-filled life and lost everything he had—his church, his family, and his reputation. His arrogance became his downfall, and his story did not end well.

On the other hand, let’s look at Rahab. She was known as a harlot. Not a good beginning, but because of her belief in and commitment to the God of Abraham, she was spared when her city fell and is now listed in the lineage of our Savior Jesus.

The Word for You Today says this about Rahab: “Her profession of faith mattered more than her profession as a harlot.” God redeemed her and redirected her life. Unlike the pastor, her life was tenuous at the start, but ended strong. What a testimony!

Many of us had a rough start in life, but God is all about redemption and restoration. He turns mourning into joy and replaces ashes with beauty. When we trust in Him, He can take ever the worst and most tragic situation and turn it around for our good and His glory.

As believers, we don’t know the future, nor can we control what happens in this life. But by placing our trust and hope in the Lord, we know the end of our story. And it’s better than anything we could ever imagine.

Do you know the end of your story?

 Photo by Daman IAm on Unsplash