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God Shall Supply – Andrea Merrell
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But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

A friend e-mailed me yesterday and asked how I was doing. I replied, “The past couple of weeks have not been some of my finest hours.” I went on to explain that I was scheduled for eye surgery (a corneal transplant and cataract surgery in my right eye) and, in the meantime, because of some stomach issues, I had gone through a battery of tests and ended up having my gall bladder removed—only two weeks before the eye surgery.

The enemy had wreaked havoc with my emotions and I found myself in a battle with depression. Been there—done that—should know the signs and be able to guard against the attack. But sometimes it sneaks up on me and, before I know what hit me, I’m in so deep, it’s hard to get out without help.

Just when I was trying to get a grip and de-stress, I found out how much the eye surgery was going to cost. That news, coupled with the fees for all the diagnostic tests and the gall bladder surgery, put me over the edge. How could we possibly afford all this? What would our insurance cover? Guilt was creeping in about creating a huge pile of medical bills for our family. I felt completely overwhelmed and helpless. My life was spinning out of control.

I made a phone call to a lady I barely know, about doing some editing for her book. The dam broke and I unloaded on her. It was a God-moment. She listened, she encouraged, she reminded me of things I already knew—and she prayed for me. My peace returned, along with joy and hope. She told me to pick a scripture and use it every time worry and doubt tried to step in.

Suddenly, every time a negative thought came about the bills, these words shot through my spirit: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. It was like a ping-pong match. The enemy would fire a shot and God’s Word would slap it right back in his face. But my God... Whatever I need, God shall supply—money to pay the bills—healing—peace–strength—joy—wisdom. It really doesn’t matter. His supply is abundant and He delights in blessing His children.

Do you have a need today? Does it look impossible? Don’t worry; nothing is impossible with God. He is faithful, his Word is true, and He SHALL supply!

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

And Then Some – Andrea Merrell
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Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 NIV

When my husband and I got married, our combined income was less than $200 per week. Our house payment was only $125, but with all the other normal expenses, things were pretty tight. We literally lived from paycheck to paycheck.

I’ve always been the one to handle the finances and I would dutifully figure our bills for a month or two at a time. Many times I would announce to my husband: “Honey, in six weeks we won’t have money for groceries or gas.” He would give me that “bless her heart” look (and sometimes roll his eyes), but he never worried or got upset like I wanted him to. Pity parties are more fun if you have someone to party with, but he would never accept my invitation.

In those early years of marriage, even when we weren’t serving God and living in obedience to His Word, my husband had enough faith to believe everything would be okay—and it always was. Just like the woman with the vat of oil that never ran out and the crowds that were fed with a handful of fish and bread, we always had what we needed, when we needed it—and then some.

As we learned the principles of tithing, giving, and honoring God with our possessions, we found our bills paid, our needs met, and our storehouse full. There was always enough to give away or sow for the next harvest. Even now, after 39 years of marriage, God amazes me with the creative and unexpected ways He chooses to provide. He has proved His faithfulness to us time and time again.

If you’re struggling financially, don’t lose heart. Cast that care over on God and ask Him to get involved. When you trust God with your money, give according to His Word, and become a wise and faithful steward over whatever He gives you, He will throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out His blessings.

What’s the benefit of being a covenant partner with God? Having everything you need—and then some.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, but prefers writing fiction, articles and devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor  for www.ChristianDevotions.us and is featured in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey and Faith & Finances: In God We Trust. She is Copy Editor for  www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions.

For Better or Worse – Andrea Merrell
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So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband — obeying, praising, and honoring him.
Ephesians 5:33 TLB

When I got married, I’ll have to admit I paid little attention to what the preacher said. My goal was to make it though the ceremony without tears, without passing out, and without committing a major faux pas. When I repeated the words, “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do us part,” they were just canned words with little meaning – at least at the time.

Being young and in love can cause us to be short-sighted and naïve. We tend to live in the moment, get caught up in the excitement and romance, and fail to see down the road when romance has a head-on collision with reality.

Saying “I do” meant a lot more than I realized. What I was actually saying was: “I do dishes, I do laundry, I do dirty diapers, I do nursing duty, I do chauffeur service,” and so on. All that “I doing” earned me a BA (bad attitude) until I found out it was part of the package.

Storybook romance paints an unrealistic picture of wedded bliss, perfect relationships, and happily ever after. That’s the better part and most of us think that’s what we signed up for.

The true test comes when we’re faced with the worse. That’s when we have to make a decision. We can turn and run or dig in our heels, call on the love of God to see us through, and give it all we’ve got.

When my husband said “I do,” I’m sure he didn’t expect to deal with bad hair days, difficult in-laws, and PMS. But, for thirty-nine years he’s put up with and loved me through it all – sickness, insecurity, disappointment, tears, and heartbreak. He’s also been there through the laughter and the good times, the joy of raising children, and the thrill of becoming a grandparent. He’s always by my side, sharing my faith, being my friend, and cheering me on to pursue my dreams.

If you want the real thing, invite God to be the Lord of your life and your marriage. He will bless you beyond measure and the better will always outweigh the worse.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She enjoys writing fiction, articles, and devotions and is featured in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey and Faith & Finances: In God We Trust.  Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us.  She is also a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her at: www.andreamerrell.com or www.andreamerrell.blogspot.com.  Read Andrea’s devotions

Evil Money – Andrea Merrell
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For the love of money is the root of all evil . . . I Timothy 6:10

Money is the root of all evil—true or false? While many will say “True,” the Bible tells us it’s the love of money that is evil and destructive. When money becomes our focus it hinders our walk with God, because it puts Him in second place.

Is money necessary? Absolutely. Will it solve all our problems? Absolutely not. In The Word For You Today, Bob Gass puts it this way: “Money will buy you a bed, but not sleep; books, but not brains; food, but not an appetite; a house, but not a home; medicine, but not health; luxuries, but not happiness; image, but not character; and religion, but not salvation.”

The Bible is filled with instructions about how we are to use our money and it lets us know that attitude, along with obedience, is key. God is our provider—the source of everything we need. Blessing and provision come to us when we put God first, establish a covenant with Him through our faithful giving, and become good stewards with whatever He gives us.

When we place our trust in money instead of the One who supplies “all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” we miss the mark.

I have learned that the less I worry, the more peace I possess. The more I give, the more is given back to me. The more I honor God with my “stuff,” the more He takes care of whatever I need. He even gives me the “desires of my heart” when I take delight in Him.

God is faithful. He loves us and promises to take care of us. All He asks is that we trust Him.

Will you trust Him today?

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

Learning to Walk – Andrea Merrell
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“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us . . .” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV

“Walk in love,” Paul announced to the Church at Ephesus.  Sounds very spiritual, but I have a feeling they responded as most of us do; “What in the world does that really mean?”

Loving others is a breeze when your co-workers are getting along, your kids are on their best behavior, and your in-laws are three states away.  Showing love is easy when you feel terrific, you just heard a great motivational sermon, and everything is going your way.  It’s not so easy when everyone at the office is fighting, your kids are driving you up the wall, and your in-laws are coming for a nice long visit.  When you don’t feel so hot, you haven’t been spiritually fed in weeks and things seem to be falling apart all around you, the last thing you want to do is “walk in love.”

We have opportunities every day to practice loving others and we continually make choices whether to walk it out or put it off until a more convenient time.  Our “love-training” might come while we’re waiting in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, or on the phone with a stubborn telemarketer.  In this school of life, we are constantly learning and the key to success is simply to remain teachable and take advantage of every opportunity for growth and maturity.

Paul elaborated by telling the Ephesians they were to love in the same manner Christ loves us.  Still sound a little vague?  The entire fourth chapter of Ephesians gives us many specifics in achieving this goal – being in unity – telling the truth – renewing our minds – being careful not to sin when we’re angry – not giving the devil a foothold or open door – yet verse 29 puts it into an easy-to-understand-and-swallow-capsule.  Listen to The Amplified translation:

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

Now that’s a crash course in how to walk!  Are you up for the challenge?

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

Third Time’s A Charm – Andrea Merrell
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“Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things.”  Hebrews 13:4 AMP

The look on my friend’s face was priceless when I said, “I’ve been married three times—to the same man. I could see the wheels turning and knew from past experience, the questions and comments that were sure to follow.

“I didn’t know you’d ever been divorced,” was the first.

“I haven’t,” I replied.

Brows furrowed in confusion and frustration. “But . . .”

I just smiled and explained.

When I married my husband, Charlie, over thirty years ago, we were young, a little stupid, and living a pretty worldly lifestyle. Our ceremony was simple, in my mother’s living room, and God wasn’t even on the guest list. We had done little more than obtain a license to live together.

After four years of struggling with our relationship and knowing something was missing in our marriage, I found out I was pregnant. That’s when the Lord began to pull on my heartstrings, gently wooing me back into His arms. Thankfully, my husband and I returned to Him together and our life drastically changed.

Three years later, we decided to renew our vows in celebration of all God had done. It was a beautiful ceremony beside a lake and we were surrounded by our new church friends and family. Exactly nine months later, our second child was born and it seemed to be God’s way of blessing our new commitment to Him.

Eighteen years later, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary by renewing our vows once again. This time it was in a church, I finally wore a “real” wedding dress, and our son and daughter served as best man and maid of honor. We even had a “real” honeymoon.

Now, here we are thirteen more years down the road, best friends, and more in love than ever. Why? Because we invited the Lord to be the center and heart of all that we are, all that we have, and all we ever hope to be or accomplish. We have learned to, Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things.

If you want your marriage to be strong and stand the test of time, commit it to Him. Pray for each other, have fun together, and love each other unconditionally.

Some have asked if we’ll “marry” again. Maybe, maybe not. We have quite a few more years until our fiftieth, so we’ll see. But then, why bother? As they say, “third time’s a charm.”

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

Pass It On – Andrea Merrell
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“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Luke 6:38

One of the greatest spiritual truths I’ve learned over the years is that God desires to bless His children. His plan is to do far above and beyond what we can ask, think or comprehend. The sad part is, many times we become “blessing hoarders,” storing-up what God gives us, developing an “us-four-and-no-more attitude.”

In reality, we are blessed to be a blessing. When God brings increase into our lives in any way, we are expected to pay it forward. God does not comfort us just so we can be comfortable, but so we have the ability to comfort others in distress. He increases our finances so we can give to others in need. He fills us with Godly wisdom so we can share that knowledge with those who seek it. He gives each of us gifts, talents, and abilities so we can better serve others. Even our joy is to be shared with those around us.

The great news is, whatever we give away (sow, plant and deposit) will come back to us in an even greater measure than we used to give it in the first place. That’s because God is a God of abundance and He pays great dividends when we are obedient to His Word. The world tells us to hang on tightly to what we have. The Word says to let it go. The world promotes selfishness, greed and a desire for more, more, more. The Word encourages a lifestyle of humility, selflessness and a giving spirit.

Whatever God blesses us with—money, compassion, or talents—He intends for us to give it away willingly and cheerfully, expecting nothing in return. When we do, God puts more blessings into our hands and we start the process over again. We become a channel for God to pour out his provision and touch those around us.

Stop and take inventory today and see how God has blessed you.

Whatever your treasure, don’t bury it. Pass it on and watch what happens!

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for http://www.christiandevotions.us/ and http://www.devokids.com/, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at http://www.andreamerrell.com/. Read Andrea’s devotions

Family – Andrea Merrell
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“So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone,and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.” Galatians 6:10 TEV

When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to hear the question, “Who do you belong to?” This would generally take place at weddings, funerals and family reunions, and would be asked by well meaning people who had not seen me in a long time.

Belonging is important. Everyone wants and needs to belong somewhere, to someone, or to something. Being part of a family is important but, in today’s society, we have a plethora of broken, mixed and dysfunctional families. When we feel like we don’t belong (or fit in), it can bring feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and despair.

If you’re a people-pleaser like me, you know that disappointment emerges when we don’t feel we have adequately performed or met another person’s expectations. Many times, just when we think we finally have it down pat, their standard changes and we find ourselves, once again, trying to gain approval and acceptance. It can become a constant cycle, much like the hamster running circles in his little wheel, accomplishing nothing and getting nowhere.

Earthly relationships are fragile and must be nurtured and protected. Even then, the divorce rate remains high. Kids run away from home and parents abandon kids. Families fall apart and friendships dissolve. When the monster of offense rears its ugly head, no relationship seems safe from the onslaught.

As I was praying about this recently, the Lord gently reminded me that, when we become part of His family, there is a sense of stability and assurance nothing else can offer. When we belong to God, He promises to never leave or forsake us. He will never divorce, reject, or abandon us. The Bible calls Him a friend that sticks closer than a brother. God is our comforter, protector, and healer. He is also our provider, with a liberal supply of peace, wisdom, strength, and joy. He is El Shaddai—the all sufficient God—everything we need. The best part is, He always will be.

Need a family? God has a place reserved just for you.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

Enough Love to Go Around – Andrea Merrell
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“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

My hands flew to my mouth, my breath caught in my throat, and tears sprang to my eyes. Standing in a little gift shop in Dillsboro, North Carolina, I was staring at a plaque that read, “I never knew how much love my heart could hold until somebody called me Grandma.” If you have grandchildren, I’m sure you will agree that a truer statement has never been made.

Love is a funny thing. It has to be given away in order to grow and multiply. Just like God gives us the measure of faith, He pours His very own love into our hearts and it’s up to us what we do with both—invest and get a return, or horde and become stagnant.

Many parents (and grandparents) worry while awaiting the birth of a second, third, or fourth child. They fear they can never love another child as much as they love the first. The truth is, when we finally see the next baby face-to-face and hold that tiny bundle in our arms, our hearts begin to overflow with love and we cannot imagine life without this new little person. Love just keeps on growing and spilling over.

Sometimes we can be selfish with what God gives us. We carefully pick and choose who to pour our love into. We act like there’s only so much love to go around and we need to ration it and strategically decide how to use it. That’s never God’s plan. Agape love (the love of God or the God-kind-of-love) values everyone as valuable and precious. It puts others first and is always giving. When we allow God to take up residence in us, that’s the kind of love He brings with Him—in abundance. We can keep it packed away, saving it for a “rainy day,” or we can draw from it moment-by-moment and live a life of peace, contentment and unspeakable joy.

The song says, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” The Bible says there is faith, hope and love, but the greatest, by far, is love. You may not think you have much to give, but you always have love. The more you give, the more you get back . . . and then some.

For God so loved that He gave . . .

So, what does He expect from us? Love extravagantly. Receive love gratefully. Love is what life is all about.

Love never fails. Try it—you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

The Check’s in the Mail – Andrea Merrell
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“Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands — all that you can hold.” Luke 6:38 TEV

God never ceases to amaze me with the creative ways He chooses to bless His children. I haven’t found any money in the mouth of a fish lately, or caught any pennies raining from Heaven, but every single time I reach the proverbial end of the rope, He comes through in surprising and unusual ways.

Just when the bills are piled high and my checking account looks empty, provision suddenly appears. It might be in the form of a rebate, refund or dividend check. Maybe it’s a gift, bank error in my favor (yes, it really does happen), or receiving an unknown and unexpected inheritance. I’ve even had a couple of debts paid off or cancelled—honestly—wiped out completely! How and by whom I will probably never know. What I do know is this: God is our source. He is our provider and has an abundant supply of whatever we need. When we become wise and obedient stewards with what He gives us and pray according to His Word, we can be sure He hears us. We can also trust in His faithfulness and rest in the fact that He will liberally supply.

If you’re a giver, you know how we are to operate—give and it shall be given. The Word tells us to sow our seed in order to reap a harvest. When we lay up treasure in Heaven and make regular deposits into our Heavenly bank account, we can be confident our funds are well protected, drawing interest, and available whenever we need them.

I can say without hesitation, God has never failed to meet my needs. The answer may not come when I think it should, or the way I anticipate, but it always comes, and it usually far exceeds my expectations.

Do you have a need today? Present it to God. Ask in faith, believing that you receive. Then, you can confidently say, “The check’s in the mail.”

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.Read Andrea’s devotions