Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

1440 Minutes – Making the Most of Your Time

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Ephesians 5:15-17  “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Dear Kids:

If there is one thing our culture seems to lack it is time! Every person receives the same amount of daily minutes, but for some there never seems to be enough. What makes the difference?

Last year we had some landscaping done at our office. I was excited about the possibilities of sprucing up the front of the building. When the job was finished I admired the different bushes – some green or red and others flowering. They looked to blend well together. The only problem was that they seemed so small and far apart. They didn’t jazz up the entryway as much as I thought they should.

But this year I drew a different opinion. As the foliage came back to life after a hard winter I noticed they had grown. The spaces between the plants were not as big anymore. I suddenly realized that in a few years the landscaping would fill out and be what I was hoping. The landscaper was wise to leave space between the new plants so they would have room to spread out and grow.

Use Your Time Wisely

If only we would be so wise with our time. We often fill up every minute with activity because we don’t like the spaces in between. But before we know it our commitments grow and overtake our lives. We just can’t seem to catch up or get everything done! Life becomes difficult. We are exhausted. Our lives are not as productive or beautiful as they could be. The most important things get squeezed out as we struggle to keep up with all we must get done

The Apostle Paul instructs us to be careful how we walk and to live wisely. We must make the most of our time, but this doesn’t mean filling all our minutes with frantic activity.  Like a wise landscaper we must leave space in our schedules so we have time to seek God’s will. Listen for his guidance to know what to do and what not to do.

Our culture lacks time! But maybe it’s because we have planted too many plants in a small place. We are all given 1440 minutes a day. We must use them wisely by finding out God’s will for our life and weeding out all the extras. Anything else is foolish!

 “Christ was never was in a hurry. There was no rushing forward, no anticipating, no fretting over what might be. Each day’s duties were done as each day brought them, and the rest was left with God.” ~Mary Slessor

Love,

Mama

The American Dream and Other Parental Hopes

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3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

Dear Kids:

I have no greater hope than that my new granddaughter, Ruby Mae, will walk in the truth of Jesus Christ.

All parents have dreams and hopes for their children. Some moms and dads hope their offspring will carry on a family business. Others have high hopes for excellent achievement in sports or academics leading to a prestigious education and a high paying career. Still others envision qualities of hard work, determination, and initiative bringing about the American Dream, by which their children have more than they ever did. These are commendable goals for any young person, but John, an Apostle and an elder in the church at Ephesus, had even higher ambitions for his church family.

John wrote a letter to Gaius, a loved friend, commending him for how he lived his life. The Apostle Paul had preached in the city of Ephesus some time before and many had come to know Jesus as their Savior. But now a few years had passed and the love of some was starting to grow cold. There were men who liked to be up front. Thinking themselves important they were not willing to listen to sound teaching.

But Gaius, along with a few others, was a breath of fresh air. The Apostle John exclaimed, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” Gaius knew the truth and he lived by it.

When it comes to family dreams I want you all to succeed in many ways, but I must agree with the writer of 3 John. My greatest hopes for each of my children (and grandchildren) are that you would know God’s truth and live in light of it.

If you never have a hefty bank account, straight A’s in school, athletic prowess that thrills the crowds, or a burgeoning career, but you do embrace God’s truth and live by it, I will not be disappointed! Contrary to many today, the American Dream is not on the top of my list. My deepest wish is that of John the Apostle: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children (and now my grandchildren!) walking in the truth.”

Love,

Mama

Stop and Smell the Lilacs – Hearing God in the Silence

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Exodus 3:2-4 “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!” And he said, ‘Here am I.’”

Stop and Smell the Lilacs!

Stop and smell the lilacs! I revamped this saying the other day as I hurried down a side street on my way to the office. The delicate purple clusters hung down at the side of the road and the fragrance drifted through the air. I glanced at my watch and then stopped to bury my nose in the blossoms and drink in the lovely scent. What were a few extra minutes compared to enjoying this small pleasure?

We are so busy in this world of ours! The tight schedule dictates our life. But think of all the things we miss because of our strict adherence to our time commitments. Many parents miss their children’s growing up as they advance their careers. The beauty of creation goes unnoticed as we flit by on our way to the next appointment. A hurting person is left uncomforted because our schedule won’t allow more than a quick conversation. We forfeit so many small opportunities and sometimes we may even miss a much bigger, more important encounter.

Moses was a shepherd for his father-in-law’s flock. His business was raising and caring for sheep. One day while moving the flock to another grazing area Moses saw a strange sight. A blazing fire engulfed an every day, ordinary bush. Moses could have taken a quick peek like a rubbernecker passing a traffic accident and then moved on, but instead he stopped to smell the lilacs, so to speak.

Hearing God in the Silence

He turned aside to look more closely at this strange phenomenon. The raging fire was not consuming the bush like it should have been. Moses moved closer. A voice – God’s voice! –  called out to him. This was the beginning of Moses’ call to lead the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt to the land that God had promised them. God changed many lives because Moses stopped to smell the lilacs.

God often speaks in the quiet moments of life. The problem in our culture is that quiet moments are few and far between. We feel uncomfortable with silence and immediately try to fill it with noise and activity. Our busyness keeps us running with no time to spare. We ignore all the lilacs along the path as we hurry on to meet our next appointment.

As you review your calendar this week, plan some time for unexpected opportunities. Be ready to hear God speak in a quiet moment of life. Enjoy the silence. Look at the world around you with new eyes and take the time to stop and smell the lilacs. In that moment, if you are listening carefully, you may hear God speak, and your life will never be the same.

Love,

Mama

Dear Mama Bird: A Letter From Another Mama

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Job 38:41 “Who prepares for the raven its nourishment when its young cry to God and wander about without food?”

Dear Mama Bird:

I discovered your nest the other day when I opened our normally unused front door to let in some sunshine. Tucked into the hanging wreath was material you gathered to make a safe place for your babies. The four delicate blue eggs looked safe and secure in their warm home.

Over the past week I have watched your eggs hatch and produce four little babies. Each day these little ones look to you for nourishment. They always raise their heads when I open the door to peak into their world. I know they are looking for you and all you provide.

Mama Bird, enjoy these little ones while you can. There is coming a day when they will have all their feathers, spread their wings and fly away. This is a good thing and it is what you are raising them to do, but it will be a little hard when they finally leave. I know this quite well.

Nathan biking through Europe

Nathan biking through Europe . . . Another “bird” has left my nest!

Almost 21 years ago one of my babies was born. As a little guy he loved birds and got a lot of pleasure out of watching those like you build nests, sing in the treetops and soar through the sky. We used to call him “bird boy” until he informed us that he was actually a “birder.”

This summer my baby has flown far away to countries across the ocean. He has become a man. He and a friend are riding their bicycles across Europe, and my nest has one less now. This can be a time of anxiety, but I want to remind you not to be afraid.

Our heavenly Father is watching over all of our children. There is nowhere on earth where they are outside of His care. Not even the smallest of sparrows can fall to the ground without His noticing (Matthew 10:29). And He provides nourishment for raven chicks when they cry out for food (Job 38:41). He is attentive to every detail; you and I have nothing to fear.

So, Mama Bird, don’t worry about your babies. In just a short time they will fly away from your nest, but they will be well taken care of. Our heavenly Father watches over them with attentive loving care and they are safe in His hands.

Love,

Another Mama

Grass Clippings and the Holy Spirit’s Power

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Acts 1:8 “. . . but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Dear Kids:

Today Dad and I spent a few hours raking grass clippings. This isn’t a normal part of our summer lawn care as you know. It just happened! We were a little behind on the mowing. The grass kept growing and by the time Dad got around to it the growth was quite heavy.

In the past we have been able to split the load amongst seven people, and usually someone was available to keep up. This year all of you – our labor force – are gone for the summer. So today Dad and I put a lot of effort into making the yard look nice, but hours later we were only left with piles of useless grass clippings.

Good Works Without the Holy Spirit’s Power

Often Christians are very enthusiastic about doing God’s work. They desire to see great things for His Kingdom. They will often wear themselves out, work long hours, and even give lots of money towards missions and other spiritual endeavors. But none of this toil, sweat, or money will produce anything substantial if the Holy Spirit’s power is not behind it.

The Holy Spirit is the One who provides this power to do God’s work. He convicts us of sin. He enables us to understand God’s message through the Bible. He refines us and causes us to grow in our faith. He comforts us in difficult times. He provides guidance in our daily walk of life, and much more. Without His power we can work until we drop and only be left with grass clippings.

Good Works Fit Only to be Burned

These grass clippings were useful to us for nothing. We had to take it all to the burn pile and burn it. In the same way, any good works we do without the Holy Spirit’s power will be useless like wood, hay and stubble – grass clippings – fit only to be burned.

Kids, don’t worry about us. Dad and I will get along fine with the yard. Even without your help we will keep up and get the chores done.  But when it comes to doing work for God it is a whole different story. Don’t even attempt it if you don’t have the proper power behind your efforts. Instead, rely on the Holy Spirit. Seek Him through God’s word and prayer. He will provide the power you need to accomplish much for God’s Kingdom. But without Him you will end up exhausted, surrounded only by piles of useless grass clippings.

Love,

Mama

You Can’t Always Trust Your Mama

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2 Chronicles 22:2-3 “Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.”

Dear Kids:

“Don’t trust strangers” is usually a wise motto to live by. When you don’t know a person, they may easily take advantage of you or guide you in a wrong direction.  These acquaintances don’t necessarily have your best interest at heart, so it is much smarter to require them to prove themselves and verify advice before making any decisions.

Usually, I would suggest that it is safe to carefully listen to the things Dad and I say because we do care for you and only want you to succeed. We have greater experience and have lived longer than you have, so we are qualified to guide you successfully in most areas. But there are times when you shouldn’t even trust us. While we have tried to teach and model God’s ways for you, we are not perfect. So it is imperative that you go to the Bible yourself and verify that what we are saying is true. In other words, “You can’t always trust your Mama!”

A Mother’s Ungodly Advice

One of the kings of Judah, Ahaziah, began his reign at the age of 22, but it only lasted for one year. Ahaziah was connected with the ungodly family of Ahab, King of Israel, through his mother, Athaliah. She was Ahab’s daughter and a very wicked woman. Ahaziah relied on his mother’s advice along with the wicked men who had advised Ahab. They encouraged him in idol worship, and many other decisions that displeased the Lord. If only someone had told this foolish king, “You can’t always trust your Mama!”

Following the guidance of these unqualified advisors Ahaziah was convinced to ally with Israel in war against the King of Aram. Things turned out badly and God used these unfortunate turns of events to execute judgment on this sinful king. He was murdered while hiding out in a nearby town.

You would think Athaliah would mourn the death of her son, but this wicked woman celebrated his death by killing all but one of her grandsons in cold murder. By eliminating her offspring, this cold-hearted woman cleared a path to the throne. She reigned over the land for the next seven years until God again intervened.  As the result of an exciting coup the Lord restored the line of David with a little seven-year old boy, Joash, who narrowly escaped his grandmother’s bloodbath.

What a disturbing timeline of events that occurred in the lives of these kings of Judah! Ahaziah, along with many others, chose to listen to the wrong people and turn away from God. If only they had discovered for themselves what God required and had chosen to obey, then things would have gone so much better.

Always Verify Advice with Scripture

It is too late for them, but it is not too late for you. Regularly search God’s word to find out how He wants you to live. Pray and ask Him to show you what to do. Make sure you don’t blindly trust others to guide you in what they think is right, but verify advice you receive with the Scripture. Always keep in mind that even the most trustworthy of counselors can make mistakes – and sometimes “You can’t even trust your Mama!”

Love,

Mama

A Strategy For Effective Witnessing

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Genesis 39:22-23 “The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper.”

Dear Kids:

An Effective Strategy for witnessing in every day lifePeople are experiencing difficulties all around us. These are often the times they begin searching for answers. As God’s children we can point these suffering ones to Jesus. We just need to be ready and have an effective, God-focused strategy for witnessing.

Sometimes we think that pastors or full-time workers are the only ones who can help people with spiritual questions, but this is not so. Any of God’s children, no matter their age, occupation, or experience have the wherewithal to introduce others to their heavenly Father. A familiar Bible character gives us instruction.

Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob. His brothers hated him because of this and devised a plan to get rid of him. One of the brothers suggested that instead of killing him they sell him to merchants passing by. Soon Joseph found himself a slave in the land of Egypt.

Despite this horrible turn of events, Joseph knew that God was with him. Over time he developed a reputation for honesty and faithfulness. His master trusted him with the care of his home until another false accusation landed Joseph in prison. Even then the chief jailer took notice of this upright young man and eventually put him in charge of the other prisoners. As usual, Joseph took his job seriously and God caused everything he did to prosper.

The Bible records a conversation Joseph had with two prisoners where he shared a life changing message from God. His approach is well worth noting.

Joseph’s Strategy For Witnessing

First, while faithfully performing his menial duties, Joseph was aware of the people around him. One morning he noticed that these two high profile prisoners were uncharacteristically dejected. Instead of ignoring their obvious distress, Joseph asked them why their faces were so sad.

When they explained that they had both had difficult dreams that they didn’t understand, Joseph took addressed the situation by mentioning his God and offering the men  help. He said, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” Tell it to me, please.”

Joseph listened intently as the men explained the dreams that had shaken them so. He then shared the interpretations that God revealed to him, not withholding any of the truth. The first man, the chief cupbearer would be restored to office. The chief baker, on the other hand, would die a horrible death. Joseph then shared the details of his own plight and asked the chief cupbearer to remember him when he was set free.

At this point in his life Joseph was no one of consequence. But he took this opportunity amidst the monotonous affairs of his job and made it a witnessing opportunity to speak for God. He was aware of those he was serving, showed interest and compassion in their lives, and gave them a message from God when the opportunity arose. Yet Joseph had no control over the outcome. He was the messenger, but God was the one orchestrating events. The interpretations of the dreams came true, but while the chief wine taster did not immediately remember Joseph as he had promised, later, in God’s timing, he did remember and mentioned this young man to Pharoah.

An Effective Strategy For Every Day Witnessing

Don’t ever underestimate your ability to make a difference in people’s lives! Just be ready and have a strategy. As you go about your daily duties of school and work, observe those around you carefully. Show interest and compassion, using your concern as an opportunity for conversation. Be bold to mention God as the door opens, and speak the truth lovingly.

You never know what will come of these seemingly insignificant encounters, but remember you can’t control the situation. Only God can do that. And if you are faithful like Joseph, you will be surprised at how God blesses and what He does in the lives of those around you.

Love,

Mama

Riding Waves of Difficulty

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Revelation 19:6b “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”

Dear Kids:

Each morning a new day breaks upon us and we roll out of bed to discover what the future holds. Sometimes  exciting opportunities surprise us. Other times we go about our business as usual. And still other times we are sideswiped by a wave of unexpected difficulties. The ebb and flow of life can either allow us to ride the waves or it will pull us out to sea.

Recently our community has struggled with some rough waters. In the past weeks tornados, sicknesses, broken relationships, deaths, and more have sent waves of grief and pain over many of our friends and acquaintances. These storms have  touched each of you in some way. Sometimes it is easy to lose heart and consider staying in bed rather than face another day.

But there is a reason to get up and go on despite the difficulties that life may bring. We have a God who has not lost control. We can be assured that although the effects of sin will regularly cause our world to rage, we must remember that the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. A. W. Tozer in his book The Knowledge of the Holy writes, “Sovereignty and omnipotence must go together. One cannot exist without the other.”

Our God is never surprised despite the unforeseen events of a day. He rules over all the earth and His power is limitless. There is no problem that is too big for Him to solve. There is no other authority that can  catch Him off guard and overrule His plan.

For a time we will struggle with sad events, difficulty, and trials here on earth, but even these can only touch us as He allows. He never leaves us  alone in our pain, but gives us the strength we need to endure if we fully rely on Him. And someday soon He will come again and make all things right!

Until His long-awaited arrival we can face each new day with hope and confidence. Whatever the tide of life may bring – normal routine, exciting adventures, or waves of difficulty – we can ride the waves and  confidently shout, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”

Love,

Mama

Help For Fighting Every Day Battles

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2 Chronicles 20:15b “. . . Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

Dear Kids:

The school year is winding down and I know your schedules are starting to fill up with deadlines and tests. April and May were always anxious months for me when I was in school. I wanted to do well, but wondered if I had what it took to succeed. I was tired and ready to be done, but what lay ahead seemed like a huge uphill battle.

This is not the only season of life in which you will experience discouraging battles. All through your years these overwhelming emotions will at times threaten to send you running from your obligations. But God’s children never have to fight alone.

A King’s Overwhelming Battle

Jehoshaphat, the king of Israel, also faced a huge battle. His heart shook with fear when a great enemy advanced against his country. The fate of the nation rested on his shoulders and he was overwhelmed with the weight. He knew he couldn’t win on his own, but he didn’t back down. Instead, this wise king turned to God for help. Calling his people together he proclaimed a nationwide fast and humbly stood before them reaching out to God in prayer.

“O Lord,” he prayed, “You are the God of the heavens and have given this land to Your children, the descendants of Abraham. You promised that when we call to You from Your holy temple You would hear and deliver us from our enemies. Now a great foe is getting ready to invade and we are powerless against them. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

The Lord answered the distressed king with very encouraging words.“Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” God won the war for His people that day. The Lord set up ambushes and completely destroyed Jehoshaphat’s enemy while the nation sang songs of praise. What a celebration Jerusalem enjoyed as the people rejoiced over their victory!

Don’t Fight Your Battle Alone

As you face difficult times ahead, whether in school or in the future, remember you don’t have to fight the battle alone. God heard Jehoshaphat’s humble prayer for help and came through in a mighty way. He will hear your prayer for help, too.

Whatever you are facing – tests, projects, deadlines, and more – take courage! Humbly ask the Lord for help, and keep your eyes on Him. Do not fear! Do not be discouraged! The battle is not yours but God’s. He is faithful and He will give you the victory.

Love,

Mama

Strong Winds and Firm Foundations

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Matthew 7:25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”

Grandma & Grandpa Sheridan’s shed pushed off its foundation by the tornado.

Last week was quite a doozy!

Tuesday afternoon high-speed winds raced through our area uprooting trees, demolishing barns, and flinging roof shingles in the air like clay pigeons for target practice. Numerous friends and family are now grappling with the aftermath while trying to move forward with the daily grind of life.

Friday we attended a funeral for one of our favorite auction goers, known affectionately to us as #68. Easter Sunday our friend died, allegedly at the hands of two thugs. This kind and helpful man who stood front row buying furniture at our auction last Friday was found murdered in his home two days later.

How does one survive these and other types of violent life storms? Sitting on a hillside surrounded by great crowds of people Jesus answered this question with a story.

Once there were two builders looking for a place to build their homes. The first builder chose a spot on the seashore. The second builder took a little more time considering the spot for his home. He finally settled on a large rock.

Grandma & Grandpa Henderson’s house which lost a patio enclosure in the tornado.

Things went along splendidly until one day the winds picked up. A terrible storm passed through the area and slammed against the two houses mercilessly. The rain beat down and the floodwaters rose. In the morning the house on the sand was in a shambles. The foundation had given way and everything collapsed. On the other hand, the house built on the rock, though also battered by the strong winds, escaped the rising floods and remained standing.

The crowds listened intently as Jesus went on to explain the meaning of His story. Those who hear the words of God but do not act on them are like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. These cannot withstand the storms of life that are sure to come. But those who hear God’s words and obey have built their life on a firm foundation. When winds blow their faith will be proven, and they will survive the storm.

Today many follow the call of the world and seek for stability in riches, status, family, education, and more. None of these can withstand the strongest of winds that are sure to blow. One large medical bill can demolish a savings account. Slander can topple an important status. A betrayal can disrupt the best of families. A new invention requires more education. But none of these can protect or assure you of your eternal destination.

There is only one place where your foundation will remain firm no matter what blows your way. This is Jesus Christ Himself! Those who hear and obey His words have built their lives on solid ground. Disaster and even death may come, but it will not touch this wise builder’s soul. This person’s eternal home in heaven is secure and nothing can separate him or her from God’s love – not even a doozy of a week!

Love,

Mama