Winner or Loser ... Who Decides?

By Andrea Merrell

Winners and losers. That’s a concept we deal with from childhood. Once you’re labeled as a “loser,” that label is hard to shake.

But what defines a loser? And who determines when someone is a success? I believe it’s all in the eye of the beholder. In other words, it’s what you think about yourself.

People only lose when they quit trying and allow their failures to define them. They complain, blame everyone else for their problems, and throw a perpetual pity party.

The truth is we all win and lose throughout our life. No one stays on top all the time, and we only stay down when we chose to do so. Winners don’t always win, but they see failure as a temporary setback, not a permanent condition. 

When someone has the mindset of a winner, they get back up every time they get knocked down. They win through the godly principle of patience and perseverance. Proverbs 24:16 says, The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked (NLT).

So, how do you see yourself? In God’s eyes, you are always a winner.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/Graphics Mouse.)

TWEETABLES

People only lose when they quit trying and allow their failures to define them. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

In God’s eyes, you are always a winner. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To view in browser, click here.

Renewing the Mind ... God's Way

By Andrea Merrell

And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

Renewing is something we’re all familiar with. It’s part of life. We renew our driver’s license, our gym memberships, and our loans at the bank. We renew furniture, marriage vows, and even old friendships.

But what about the most important thing?

Our minds.

Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our mind with His Word so we can be transformed from the inside/out. A renewed mind will cause us to think and act differently. This different mindset will produce different and more effective results in everything we say and do.

We’re told in 1 Corinthians 2:16 that we have the mind of Christ, but we’re also instructed in Philippians 2:5 to let—or allow—this mind to be in us. How is that even possible?

Because Jesus was the Word made flesh. When we saturate our minds with the powerful, life-giving Word of God, we take on the same mind that was in our Lord. When we begin to think like Jesus and live our lives accordingly, we will see amazing results.

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

TWEETABLE

Renew your mind God's way ... with His Word. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

Take God's Hand

By Andrea Merrell

Do you believe God desires to speak to you and give you the guidance you need?

I can’t possibly count the number of times that still, small voice has given me direction when I needed it most, and even when I didn’t know I needed it at all.

There was a time years ago when, on my way to work, I felt a strong nudge to return home for something. When I walked into the kitchen, there was a piece of paper on top of the toaster oven—which had been left on—and it was about to go up in flames. Another time, I just happened to arrive at my grandmother’s house to find her sitting on the porch steps literally bleeding to death from a puncture to her leg. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that God has steered me clear of many mishaps during my years of walking closely with Him.

Being led by God through this life is the most important thing we can do. Staying close to Him, listening for His voice, and allowing Him to take our hand and lead us down the path He has chosen for us is not as hard as we make it. Listen to what Isaiah 42:16 says in the Message translation:

But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way,
    who can’t see where they’re going.
I’ll be a personal guide to them,
    directing them through unknown country.
I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take,
    make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.
These are the things I’ll be doing for them—
    sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.

There you have it. He’ll take our hand, guide us, and not leave us even for a minute. What better promise could we hope for?

If you need help today, reach out and take God hand. He’s standing there with arms stretched wide.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and David Castillo Dominici.)

TWEETABLE

God promises to take our hand, guide us, and not leave us even for a minute. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

Do Trials Make You Bitter or Better?

By Andrea Merrell

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

 Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

 

No one enjoys going through hard times, whether physical, financial, emotional, or relational, but the Bible tells us trials and tribulations come with the proverbial territory.

There is an old song that talks about never being promised a rose garden. In the same way, God never promised His children there would be no bumps in the road on our journey through life. What He does promise is to be with us every step of the way. He is always there to lead, guide, direct, protect, and provide. He gives us strength, wisdom, and peace. The light of His Word brightens the path before us.

When we wander off the path or the enemy comes against us, God promises to take what the enemy means for evil and destruction, turn it around, and work it out for our good and His glory. He makes beauty out of ashes and turns mourning into dancing. He truly works all things together for good for those who belong to Him.

When I look back over some of the hard times in my life and the storms I have survived, I can see how God took all those moments and events, redeemed them, and threaded them into my life to make me the person He created me to be. It’s much like the artist who adds shadows and contours to a painting to give it character and depth.

When we trust the Lord and allow Him to mold and shape us, He uses all things—big and small—to build character, integrity, and resilience into us. He doesn’t waste a single thing.

Trials can make us bitter or better. I choose better.

How about you?

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Ambro.)

TWEETABLE

Trials can make us bitter or better. Choose better. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To view in browser, click here.

Beware of Toxic Spirituality

By Andrea Merrell

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve …

Joshua 24:15 NIV

Are you discouraged? We all deal with discouragement to some degree, but sometimes we don’t realize the dark and dangerous path it puts us on. When we keep walking the wrong way, never stopping to deal with our emotions, heart issues, and our sin, we can be well on the way to a toxic spiritual life.

Discouragement is subtle. It begins by making you feel weary and maybe a little frustrated. Fatigue leads to stress and even fear. When left unchecked, discouragement grows into a sense of hopelessness and defeat and can spiral into full-blown depression.

Been there? I have, and it’s not a place I want to dwell … or even revisit.

Life is full of petty annoyances, but they’re like mud puddles. They might get you wet and dirty, but they’re not killers or life-changers—unless we allow them to be.

So, what’s the answer? When life turns sour and you find your foot in the mud, shake it off. Allow God’s Word to wash and cleanse you (Ephesians 5:26). We are told to choose the one we will serve. We can choose God’s way—peace, joy, love, encouragement—or we can choose to live in defeat.

If you’re dealing with a spirit of discouragement, turn to God and His powerful, life-changing, life-giving Word. He will set you free and put you on the right path.

(Photos courtesy of Morguefile and FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles.)

TWEETABLES

Discouragement can be toxic to your spiritual health. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

Shake off discouragement and let God's Word set you free. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser or leave a comment, click here.

Open the Door to Your Heart

By Andrea Merrell

I watched as the woman gripped the back of the pew in front of her. Her eyes slid shut, and she didn’t bother to wipe the tears that dripped from her face.

It was obvious—at least to me—that the pastor’s message was having a tremendous impact on the tender hearts that filled the sanctuary. This woman was no exception. But she stood rooted to her spot, ignoring the impassioned plea for folks to come forward for prayer. My heart broke for her as I wondered what was causing her such pain.

The pastor’s question that morning was, “Is the lock jammed or broken on the door to your heart?” He went on to explain some of the reasons that we either can’t or won’t open the door when the Lord knocks. He talked about personal issues that keep us hiding behind the closed door. He explained how we cower in the dark, afraid to open the door and let the light expose our sin and rebellion. He reminded us how we work hard to keep the door locked with deadbolts of anger, resentment, bitterness, pride, shame, and condemnation. He even suggested that some people have a revolving door on their heart, thinking that Jesus comes and goes at will.

The truth is, Jesus knows what’s waiting behind that door before He ever knocks. He waits patiently for us to throw open the door so He can come in and cleanse our heart. He wants to fill it with every good and perfect gift heaven has to offer. When Jesus comes, He comes to stay, and He tells us He will never leave. That’s a promise we can count on.

 How about you? Have situations and circumstances caused you to lock the door and hide? If so, don’t be afraid. Jesus is waiting patiently outside the door of your heart. Throw the door open and run into His arms. He will dispel your doubts, calm your fears, and restore your joy and peace.

Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Tuomas_Lehtinen/lekkyjustdoit.)

TWEETABLE

Jesus waits for us to open the door to our heart and run into His arms. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

Are You Building Walls Or Bridges?

By Andrea Merrell

You might not consider yourself handy with tools, but you’re still a contractor. Actually, we’re all builders in God’s kingdom. But are we building walls or bridges?

Walls are constructed to either keep things in … or keep them out. When we encase ourselves inside walls of our own making, we might keep away pain and hurt feelings, but we end up shutting other people out and cutting ourselves off from potential relationships and blessings.

Sometimes—because of our attitude, words, and behavior—we raise barriers that keep others from reaching God … from seeing and experiencing His amazing love and goodness. Instead, we should be building bridges and helping others cross over painful valleys of destruction to find the Savior. God desires His children to always point the way to Him, while helping people find the right path.

As spiritual handymen (and handywomen), we have the creative, God-given ability to build love, trust, and security. We have been given the power to erect towers of compassion and stability. With the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, we can sand and polish hurt feelings and painful situations. With God’s Word, we can pour firm foundations of faith and finish our projects with mercy and grace.

If you’ve created walls that are standing in the way of fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for your life, maybe it’s time to tear them down and build a bridge.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stoonn/khunaspix.)

TWEETABLE
As a worker in God's kingdom, are you building walls or bridges? via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To view in browser, click here.

Thou Shalt Not Be Stupid

By Andrea Merrell

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God,

and he will give it to you.

He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5 NLT

Someone made the comment recently, “Thou shalt not be stupid.” No, it’s not one of the Ten Commandments, but maybe it should be.

We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve certainly made more than my share. Impulsive behavior, selfishness, confusion, and lack of godly counsel can lead to some pretty severe mishaps. We can spend all our time cleaning up our messes and trying to put out the fires we start with our tongue and our actions.

What’s the answer? God tells us if we need wisdom, all we have to do is ask. He is our Shepherd, and He has promised to lead, guide, and protect—as long as we’re willing to hear His voice and follow Him.

God’s ways are perfect. Ours, not so much. I’ve learned that when I need answers and direction, I must ask for His help. I must be obedient and not give in to my own misguided thinking. When I do things His way, the results are always better.

The next time you find yourself tempted to go the wrong direction, remind yourself: Thou shalt not be stupid.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/stockimages.)

TWEETABLE

Thou shalt not be stupid. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

What Does Salvation Mean To You?

By Andrea Merrell

Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord . . .

2 Chronicles 20:17 NKJV

Once again, during my quiet time with the Lord, He revealed something to me from a Scripture I’ve probably read at least a hundred times: Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Salvation is a wonderful gift. In fact, it’s the most important gift we can ever receive here on this earth. But if you’re like me, you most likely think of deliverance from the power and curse of sin. Some call it being saved. Others refer to it as being born again. Children like to say “Jesus lives in my heart.”

The Bible says without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. Because of the supreme sacrifice Jesus made, giving His life for us as He suffered, bled, and died on a horrible cross, we are made free from the law of sin and death. When we accept that gift, salvation is ours. We are redeemed. We become a child of God with a home in heaven for all eternity.

But there is so much more to salvation. According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, it also means: destruction from the illusion of sin, sickness, and death; liberation from ignorance; preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty.

In other words, God offers salvation in every area of our life—health, finances, relationships, and any other area where we struggle. We fight battles every day in one form or another—physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—but Scripture reminds us that the battle is not yours (ours), but God’s. We don’t have to worry about winning the battle because we have a heavenly advocate who has already won the war. All we have to do is believe His Word, align our thinking with His, then stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

The Bible tells us over and over not to fear, be discouraged, or give up. What a comfort to know the Lord is always with us. His angels go before us, and He always has our back.

Whatever you’re going through today, give it to God. Then . . . stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. He will never fail you.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/tiverylucky/tiramisustudio.)

TWEETABLE

The Lord will never fail you. Stand still and see His salvation. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

Holding Tightly to God's Grace

By Andrea Merrell

My mother is dying and my daughter–my friend—is moving eight hours away. I can't seem to stop the tears.

The last visit with my mother was heart wrenching. As dark, vacant eyes stared at me from the nursing home bed, I wondered what thoughts were swirling through her mind—thoughts she could not express because she has almost lost her ability to speak. Even her scribbles on a piece of paper were undecipherable.

She knew me, but there was no communication between us … never has been. It was awkward at best … always has been. Not knowing what else to do, I took her face in my hands and leaned down toward her. She kissed my cheek. I kissed hers. “I love you,” I said, and she mouthed the words back to me. That may be my very last memory of her. Only time will tell.

Now I grieve for the relationship we never had and believe for a second chance when we are reunited in heaven.  

And while I struggle with the knowledge my daughter will no longer be minutes away, I rejoice and give thanks for the close and loving relationship we have ... the kind of relationship I wish I'd had with my own mother. 

It’s a dichotomy of sorts. Opposites. Two ends of the spectrum. So I shed tears of both joy and sadness, and I trust God to guard my heart. I hold tightly to His grace, knowing that things change. Seasons of our life come and go. When I feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, I run to Him.

My grace is sufficient, He whispers.

In a world where life is hard and things don’t always make sense, that’s enough for me.

TWEETABLE
When life is hard and things don't make sense, hold tightly to God's grace. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

To read in browser, click here.

Who's the Culprit?

By Andrea Merrell

I looked everywhere, searching for the one responsible. I tried desperately to find someone to blame for my problem, and finally found the culprit—in the mirror.

Staring back at me was a sad reflection of the one responsible for my situation—the one who had made unwise choices, hasty decisions, and reacted without knowing all the facts. I had placed myself in this awkward and uncomfortable situation and it was time to “man-up” and get myself out—or rather call on God to rescue me.

We tell our kids to be honest, to take responsibility for their own actions, yet we find ourselves doing the opposite of what we preach. We pass the proverbial buck whenever we can. The problem is that buck-passing is a lie that grows and picks up momentum until it plows someone under—usually, an unsuspecting, innocent bystander.

The Bible tells us there is nothing new under the sun. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. There was a lot of buck-passing with the Israelites and even with the disciples.

Getting to the root of any problem starts with an honest evaluation and ends with the courage to fess-up, then fix-up the problem. Sidestepping the issue, blaming others, or running away from confrontation will never make it right.

It took me a long time to learn that we all make mistakes, and it’s okay to be truthful and admit when we’re wrong. It’s much easier to confess our faults one to another, ask forgiveness, and turn the situation around than it is to point a finger at everyone around you, hoping to avoid the heat.

God expects integrity in all that we do and say. When we do the right thing—no matter what—He responds with love and restoration.

Are you in a bad situation, playing the blame game? Are you the culprit? If so, put down your pride, fess up, and let God fix it. You’ll be glad you did.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/adamr.)

TWEETABLE

Stop passing the buck. Fess up and fix it. via @Andrea Merrell (Click to Tweet.)

To view in browser, click here.