Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

What Does God Really Care About?

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Jeremiah 7:5-7 “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.”

Dear Kids:

God Cares About Our Treatment of People

Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash

God really, really cares about how we treat other people! You don’t need to be a student of the Bible for very long before you realize the importance God puts on His people’s treatment of others. In fact, the way we treat others is a direct indication of our relationship with God Himself.

God Really Cares About Our Treatment of Others

I have always loved to read.  From the time I first learned that letters have sounds and make up words I have relished finding a comfortable corner and getting lost inside a good book . Recently, I read a loved it/hated it historical novel. I couldn’t put it down, but the story was horrifying. It involved the despicable treatment of orphans in the early to mid-1900s. Helpless orphaned children and others stolen away from their parents were deposited into an institution where they were treated with disrespect and cruelty. This particular story-line was fiction, but it was based on real historical events where children were being sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents.

Religious Posturing is Not Enough

I think we would all agree that these types of actions are criminal, but according to God any mistreatment, or even disregard for those in need, indicates a callous heart. The people of Jeremiah’s time believed they would be safe from invading armies because they spent time in the temple “worshiping” God. But the Lord warned that no amount of outward religious posturing would save them. He knew their hearts were self-centered. And their oppression of the alien, the fatherless, and the widow for selfish gain proved they had drifted far from the Lord.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Our Actions Toward Others Indicates Our Relationship With God

The way we treat others, especially those who cannot return the favor, does not bring us into a relationship with God, but it proves that we already belong to God and have His heart for others. After all, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth to help us in our distress, so we should also help those around us.

Jeremiah warned his people that they must reform their ways and their actions. Outward shows of religion were not enough. Their wrongful treatment of others revealed their true colors, and only a change of heart could modify their dismal future.

How about us? Are we relying on our pristine church attendance or other surface actions to feel confident in our relationship with God? If we are treating others badly then we are only kidding ourselves. A true relationship with God found in the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our selfish outlook. Every day it will become more and more natural to treat others, especially those with great needs, with kindness and compassion. This heart of love will be the best indicator of our relationship with God. If we love God we will do what He wants. And He really, really cares about how we treat others.

Love,
Mama

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Is God Really in Control?

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Jeremiah 5:22-23 “’Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed.’”

Dear Kids:

Photo by Tyler Penner on Unsplash

Is God really in control? This is an age-old question recently asked again in light of devastating news events. The answer is yes, but there’s more to the question than meets the eye. 

God Controls the Ocean Waves

As a child I loved to watch the rolling waves hit the Jersey shore in a rhythmic pattern. Over and over the surf swept up onto the beach and then returned to its watery home. I would stand near the edge waiting for it to come and then try to race up higher onto the beach before it could catch me. Always the breakers pursued me for a certain distance, but then they grew tired and receded back into the ocean.

I had no idea what kept the waves from encompassing the whole beach, but the Bible gives insight into this phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah explains that the Lord placed the sand as a boundary for the sea and gave an eternal decree that the waves cannot cross over. Though they toss and roar they obey the Creator’s laws. They do not go beyond where they are allowed.

Jeremiah Contrasts the Mighty Sea With God’s People

Jeremiah contrasted the mighty sea with God’s own people. Powerful waves that in one fell swoop could wash away entire towns obey the Creator and submissively return in accordance with the Master’s word. Yet humans, made in the image of God and personally chosen to bear His image to the world, often have no fear of the Almighty and refuse to obey His laws. These ones foolishly ignore what is true and show no respect to the One Who halts the mighty ocean with only a beach of fine quartz particles.

The people of Jeremiah’s day used their fellow man for personal gain. They excelled in deeds of wickedness and ignored the cries of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Their prophets prophesied falsely; their priests ruled on their own authority, and all the people applauded. This is the way they wanted to live life.

But are we any better?

Is God Really in Control?

The recent shootings in El Paso and closer to my home in Dayton, Ohio, reveal that man’s heart is still far from God. We ignore God’s priority of protecting life and instead take life for no apparent reason. Anger, greed, and desire for revenge build up, finally culminating in disaster where many pay the consequences.

Is God really in control? He dominates the waves of the ocean, so why doesn’t He stop these horrible things? Doesn’t He care? He cares deeply but has given humans a free will. Sadly, unlike the ocean waves, we have chosen to rebel. All of the tragedies we suffer on this earth result from sin that entered the world when the first humans chose to disobey.

But there is hope! The Lord is still in control, and in time He will make all things right. Through Jesus Christ God has opened a way to restore all we have lost due to our sin natures and disobedience.

Those who embrace God’s gift of salvation receive a new heart and are delivered from the dominion of sin. For them there is a day coming when there will be no more rebellion, no more devastating shootings, no more tears or crying. In that day all creation will rejoice. Every knee will bow before the Creator. And all humanity, like the waves of the sea, will finally understand the fear of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

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Our Foolish Attachments and How They Hinder Us

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Jeremiah 2:28 “But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.”

Dear Kids: 

Our Foolish AttachmentsSometimes we hold on dearly to things that only weigh us down. It could be a relationship, an experience, our possessions, or any of various other things. While some of these may not necessarily be bad they may hinder us from something better. Other times the foolish attachments we hold tightly become idols that damage us and keep us from experiencing God’s blessing.

Foolish Attachments – Worthless Idols

Surrounding nations enticed God’s people into following their pagan customs and worshipping their foreign gods. It is baffling to think how so many could easily forget God’s provision and loving care and attach themselves to these worthless idols. Yet this blessed nation fell for such foolishness and participated in the sinful actions that accompanied these beliefs. The gradual decline resulted in complete rebelliousness. Before long the people had as many gods as they had cities.

Once hooked the people of Judah held tenaciously to the error of their ways. No amount of persuasion could turn them back. Yet when difficulties came, they thought they could call out to God for help.

But God’s response surprised them. He asked, “Where are your gods which you made for yourselves? Let them arise and save you in your time of trouble!” Of course, these worthless idols could not help for they were only made of wood and stone. They dishonored the Lord and hindered God’s people from receiving the help they needed in time of trouble.

Idols of Today

Before we judge these idol worshippers too harshly, what about us? Are there things we revere that hinder a vibrant relationship with our God? Are there objects we hold tightly and trust before the Lord?

Money becomes an idol when we value it highly and believe it will solve all our problems. But will a healthy bank account be able to save us if a huge tragedy strikes? Friends develop into idols if we turn to them with our problems before we ever bow our heads in prayer. But can friends help us solve every extreme need? Status turns out to be an idol when we find our self-worth only through the adulation of others rather than in our position in Christ. Does worldly status remain constant in a sinful world?

The people of Judah failed to see how their idols dishonored and separated them from the only One Who could truly love them and help them in their times of trouble. But we still have the opportunity to mend our ways.

So, carefully consider the things you hold dear and decide whether they are weighing you down. Then turn away from any foolish attachments and personal idols and turn your face to the Lord. This is the only way to find freedom and experience the blessings He has prepared for you!

Love,
Mama

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The June Bride – Keys to a Successful Relationship

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Jeremiah 2:2 & 5b “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved Me and followed Me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” “ . . . They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.”

Dear Kids:

“Oh, they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who married in June gets a sweetheart for a wife.”

June Brides - The Keys to Successful RelationshipsThese lyrics from the popular 1954 movie, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, play on an ancient tradition. Most June brides of today are ignorant of the fact that this custom came from Roman times.

June Brides Derived From Roman Times

The month of June derived its named from the Roman goddess, Juno. Annually on June 1st worshipers celebrated this deity of marriage and childbirth, and it was believed that those who “tied the knot” during the month of June would experience prosperity and great happiness.

Likely, June brides of our day settle on the date based more on warm weather, flexible work schedules, and sunny vacation spots. But it would behoove every bride to consider what truly makes a healthy and prosperous marriage. All young couples enter life together dreaming of a happily ever after. I doubt there are any who suppose they will “fall out of love” when spring rolls into winter. Yet so often this is exactly what happens!

All Relationships Take Time and Effort

But marriage to an earthly partner is not the only union from which a strong and beautiful connection can fade away. Any relationship worth keeping takes time and effort. This is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, plays on the image of young love grown cold to describe His relationship with His people. The lessons learned here apply to our rapport with each other, whether in marriage or otherwise, as well as our rapport with the Lord.

During the honeymoon period the children of Israel had great devotion to the God of their fathers. They followed Him through the wilderness and experienced His great loving care, provision, and protection. But what happened?

Forgetfulness Damages Marriages

As with many marriages today things changed. The people forgot the miraculous escape from Egypt that God had orchestrated. They grew used to the fruitful Promised Land secured by their heavenly Bridegroom. They turned and walked away from all they once cherished to lust after unprofitable things. Even the leaders stopped seeking God and pursued foreign gods!

Jeremiah portrays the heartbreak felt by a jilted lover when the Lord pleads His case and questions the reasons for Judah’s unfaithfulness. These fickle people became dissatisfied and searched for someone and something else to fill their desires. Sadly the search was based on a lie. They forsook God, the fountain of living waters and were left with leaking cisterns.

“When you marry in June, you will be a bride all your life.” This is a worthy goal and hope that Juno, the fictional goddess of love and marriage, can’t produce. June brides are not always successful.

All flourishing marriages, including a vibrant relationship with the Lord, are sustained with attentiveness and by staying connected. So take a lesson from the people of Israel.

Keys to Successful Relationships:

Never forget your initial devotion.

Keep following despite difficulties.

Stay contented with the blessings you have.

Never forsake your first love.

If you do these things, no matter what month you start your relationship, you will have a much better shot at being a bride all your life!

Love,

Mama

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Every Day Love and the Dining Room Table

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John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.”

“Mother, don’t hate me! Love, NS.” 

This note greeted me at the kitchen door on Wednesday evening after work. “Hate you? Why would I ever hate my son?” I thought. 

I entered the kitchen and looked into the dining room. Suddenly, I understood the reason for his note.

For four months our house had been complete bedlam. Our unplanned kitchen remodel caused by a burst pipe overwhelmed the whole downstairs. Layers of dirt and dust coated the furniture for weeks and all the kitchen items had taken up residence in the living room, the downstairs bedroom, and on the dining room table. All winter our living space was sparse and we survived by clearing paths and creating a small eating space on the table.

Finally I Could Breathe Again!

But Memorial Day weekend proved to be the end of most things messy. I worked like crazy cleaning and finding homes for all my important kitchen items in the new cabinets. After discarding much unneeded stuff, things were finally in order. Finally I could breathe deeply again – until I got the note!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

Monday night a tornado passed through our county. Our home survived the storm, but Nathan’s apartment sustained extensive damage. With very little notice he was forced to terminate his lease and move all his belongings out of the rental. He and his two roommates stayed up all night throwing possessions in boxes to empty the apartment as quickly as possible. Now the big things, like furniture, were tucked away in our barn, but everything else again littered the dining room table.

My mouth dropped and my eyes grew large as I surveyed the situation before me. “Not again!” I lamented. But then I thought of Nathan’s note. I certainly didn’t hate him. I loved him!

Jesus’ Command to Love Sacrificially

Jesus commanded his disciples in John 15 to love one another sacrificially. Maybe this was a small example of laying down one’s life for a friend. It isn’t often that one physically dies for another, but every day we encounter opportunities to give up the things we think we need to live – comfort, finances, rest, strength, belongings, and maybe even the dining room table.

Suddenly, a thought came to me. I grabbed my camera, took a picture of the clutter, and sent it to our family group message stating, “This is real love! Love you, Nate!”

I do love my son and I’m so glad he wasn’t hurt in the tornado! If need be I would give my life for him. But today I lay down my comfort and my organized home. Today, I give him the dining room table!!!

Love you, Nate!!

Love,

Mama

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My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

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1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him he will reject you forever.”

Dear Kids:

My heart dropped as I processed the bad news. After five months of living in a home disrupted by a January frozen pipe disaster, we were finally making headway on the kitchen remodel. The new appliances had arrived and I was excited for another step towards normalcy in our daily routine. But there was a problem! The bright, new, shiny stove fit snugly into its spot, but I couldn’t use it. Unbeknownst to me gas stoves fueled by propane need different parts than ones fueled by natural gas . . . and this stove had not been converted!

The Inner Workings of a Stove Matter

I immediately called the retailer where we had bought the stove to voice my frustration and was met with incredulity. “How could you not know you have propane? Don’t you have a tank in the back of your house?” the merchant scolded. Desperately, I tried to explain that I knew we employed propane fuel. But I had no idea there was any difference in a propane or natural gas stove.  If the outside looked good to me I just pushed a button, opened the door, and slid in the cake! The inner workings made no difference to me. But apparently now I knew they were crucial.

It’s not just the inner workings of gas stoves that are important. The inner character of individuals trumps all that we see on the outside.  Yet, we tend to judge people by the things we can observe without any real idea what is going on inside them. A shy, introverted individual may be judged as haughty or self-absorbed while they are really just timid and uncomfortable in their own skin. On the other hand, a charismatic and outgoing person may be estimated to be trustworthy while their sociable personality just masks a lack of integrity and ethics. It is dangerous to judge people only by their shiny exteriors.

God is Not Fooled By Polished Exteriors

King David gave some wise advise to his son, Solomon. “My Son, serve the Lord with your all your heart and mind, for the Lord knows if you are not genuine. He searches every heart and understands your thoughts and intentions. If you seek Him wholeheartedly you will find Him. But if you reject Him no amount of polished exterior will hide the truth and He will reject you.”

My new range appears quite sharp nestled between our rich cherry cabinets, but for all of its shiny exterior it will be useless until it is converted to be propane safe. I don’t believe I will make this mistake again.

I now know that the inner workings of stoves, like the inner traits of people, are what really matter. While I may not always fully understand the mechanics of either, nothing is hidden from God. He comprehends every thought and intention of the heart and outward trappings never take Him by surprise . . . not even the shiny exterior of a spanking brand new stove!

Love,
Mama

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An Important Equation and How to Find It

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Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

There are just some things that are hard to understand . . . especially when it is late at night! Math is one of those! Sometimes you just need a good night’s sleep in order to comprehend what someone is trying to teach you!

A few weeks ago someone on Facebook asked the question, “How many of you remember late night math sessions with your father?” I was surprised by the heavy response. So, I guess I am not the only one!

How could I forget those torturous evenings of mind-numbing equations and drooping eyelids while Grandpa tried to explain the tedious mechanics of algebra and trigonometry? My brain shut down after nine o’clock and all I really wanted were the answers to finish my voluminous homework assignment so I could fall into bed and sleep. But nevertheless the explanations on the first of many problems droned on, and I struggled to comprehend how and why X could be something different in every problem.

What I really needed was a good night sleep to refresh my brain and allow my eyes to stay open. Then I would have had more ability to understand.

The writer of Psalm 119 apprehended the importance of God’s law. It guarded his decisions and by obeying it he would avert major mistakes in life. By storing it up in his heart he would be kept from sin and find great joy. So, he determined to meditate on God’s precepts and make them his delight.

But even the Psalmist recognized his inability to fully grasp the things of God on his own. Humanly speaking, no one can understand the deeper message without God’s help.

The Apostle Paul makes us aware that the god of this age, Satan, has blinded people to the light of the gospel. The things of this world lull them to sleep. Their eyelids grow heavy and their heads begin to nod, so they miss the significance of an important equation.

God’s Law + Obedience = Delight

But the Psalmist resolved in his heart to cling to God’s way no matter what. And he asked God to open his eyes and give him the ability to see the wondrous truths of the Scriptures. God did just that! Psalm 119 affirms that these testimonies became the writer’s delight and wise counselors.

How about you? Do you find reading the Bible as laborious and confusing as working on algebra late at night? Do you find your head nodding and your mind struggling against a strong desire to get quick answers so you can move forward doing things your own way? Then ask God to open your eyes! If you do, He will surely reveal the wondrous things written in His word. Then you, like the Psalmist, will finally understand and rejoice in the most significant equation of all:

God’s Word + Obedience = Delight

Love,
Mama

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The Best Comfort Food Ever

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Jeremiah 15:16 “Thy words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

Dear Kids:

Most of us are addicted to comfort. We don’t like things to be out of sorts or difficult. Any kind of pain – physical or emotional – usually drives us to search for ways to relieve our distress. This is why many mitigate their emotions with “comfort foods.”

Comfort Foods Make Us Feel Good For a While

Comfort foods, such as Grandma’s gooey macaroni and cheese, trigger good memories. But they also cause our brain to release endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals produce a good feeling that can override our emotions and lift our mood. But the effects are only short-lived. There must be something better to truly alleviate our emotional struggles.

Jeremiah lived in a time of great distress. Judah had turned away from God and serious judgment lingered just around the corner. God called the prophet Jeremiah to speak words of truth to a stubborn people, but they would not listen. Instead they persecuted him because they did not like his message. If anyone needed some comfort food to alleviate stress this messenger of God certainly did . . . and he found the perfect thing to bring Him consolation in a very difficult situation.

The Best Comfort Food Ever

Jeremiah chewed on the very words of God. He shared all his fears with the Lord in prayer and consoled himself by internalizing the words of comfort God spoke back to him. “Thy words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

God promised to make Jeremiah a fortified wall of bronze. Though people would fight against him they would not prevail. God assured him He would be with Him, deliver him from the hand of the wicked, and redeem him from the grasp of the violent.

These powerful words spoken by the Lord of Hosts provided Jeremiah the best comfort food around. Despite all the evil and difficulties that surrounded him, the promises of God rang true and overrode all the fears and negative emotions he felt. And this was not a temporary fix. God would be faithful and do what He said He would.

So when you are stressed, uncomfortable, or struggling with emotional pain don’t rely only on Grandma’s gooey macaroni and cheese. It may taste good and bring some temporary relief but it can never give you what you really need. Instead open your mouth and devour the best comfort food you will ever eat. Savor God’s word and it will become for you, like it did for Jeremiah, the joy and delight of your heart.

Love,
Mama

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So Who Can You Really Trust?

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Jeremiah 17:5 & 7 “ . . . Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.”  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.”

Dear Kids:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He will be like a tree planted by the water.”

Every day we trust people. We perform services and believe our clients will pay their bills, hire contractors and feel confident they will do their best work, and elect leaders hoping they will govern our country effectively. But very often our trust is misplaced.

When dealing with humans you never know for sure what you are going to get. This is because no one is perfect. Even the best individuals can make mistakes or let us down. There is only one Person on Whom you can completely rely.

God’s People Turned From Trusting Him

God’s people had strayed far away from Him. In the time of Jeremiah, things had gotten about as bad as they could get. Idol worship was rampant and many misled worshipers even offered their own babies on altars to foreign gods. The religious leaders were just as bad. Many had turned away from the worship of the true God and rejected His prophets. These relied on their own errant understanding of worship and the power of foreign nations to come to their aid in troubled times brought on by their sin.

The prophet Jeremiah warned that those who trust in mankind and rely on the strength and wisdom of humans would be disappointed. He likened them to a bush in the desert  – dried up and destitute. Conversely those who rely on the Lord and put their trust in Him would prosper. They would be like a tree planted by a stream whose leaves stay green and bear fruit even in difficult times.

Even today people claim to worship God but turn first to other sources for guidance and help in times of difficulty. A friend, family member, co-worker, pastor, or government official may become the first choice for counsel or assistance. But even in the best of situations, a man or woman can let you down and leave you dry.

So Who Can We Really Trust?

There is only one way to flourish through every circumstance of life. Put your trust in the Lord and follow His laws carefully. He searches the heart and tests the mind of every individual, giving each a reward according to his ways.

Your clients may fail to pay for your services. Elected leaders may make bad decisions. Co-workers may let you down. But if you put your trust in the Lord, despite what life may bring, you will surely be blessed. You can count on it!!

Love,

Mama

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Where To Find Much Needed Rest For The Weary

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Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Dear Kids:

Tired people populate our world. This fact is not the byproduct of sleep deprivation only, though there is a lot of that going on. We are a culture of driven individuals who constantly strive to get more and be better. Our frantic activity requires a lot of effort and the results take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. We orchestrate every minute of the day to produce and often push our children and ourselves to the breaking point. This shows in a myriad of ways especially when our routine is interrupted.

A Stressful Winter and Spring

I recognized the signs of my own stressful overload the other day. Spring is usually a hectic season for us, but this year the frenzy raised a notch because of our winter disaster. The frigid temperatures of January created havoc when a frozen pipe burst in the kitchen. We arrived home to a waterfall pouring from the ceiling, and since then have been surviving a big muddle of contractors, dust, plastic, piles of stuff, and more as we work on the unplanned kitchen remodel.

Early I prided myself on my patience and good attitude with the disaster. I pushed myself harder to accomplish all the usual daily requirements despite our crowded, disorganized home and unusable kitchen until one day the truth of my stress became evident. While racing around trying to finish my tasks I experienced an out-of-the-ordinary response to a broken toilet stopper flap. My mad dash was delayed as I waited for the tank to fill and I screeched at the toilet, “I don’t have time for this!” My emotional outburst shocked me and the tirade at the toilet emitted a huge red light! Maybe I wasn’t as calm and collected as I thought!

Jesus Invites the Weary to Receive Rest

Jesus understood that life in a sin-ridden world would tax all of creation. Humans especially carry many burdens brought on by our sinful nature. Even the drive to be and do and the busyness that comes along with that is a by-product of living in a fallen world. We arrange our priorities to accommodate our selfish desires and often neglect the only One Who can give real rest and peace.

Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy-laden to partake of the respite of His salvation. Those who are overwhelmed with guilt and despair may come. Mourners may appeal to Him for comfort. The sick and bedridden can look to Him for relief. Those with a busy schedule will find a way to reorganize their priorities. And those with an unplanned kitchen remodel and broken toilet stopper will find the stability of mind to deal with unplanned delays and concerns.

To all those who are burdened and weary, hear the comforting words of Jesus, “Come to me, my child, and I will give you rest!”

Love,
Mama

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