Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Taking a Walk in the Light: Encouragement When Spiritual Leaders Sin

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1 John 1:6-7 “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Walking in the Light

Dear Kids,

Have you ever been devastated by the news that someone you respected has fallen into grievous sin? Over the years there have been many high profile people, even seemingly godly people, whose secret lives were hidden behind a cloud of darkness. On the outside they appeared to be following God’s ways, but in private they were completely different people.

God is Light

The Apostle John defines God as “light in Whom is no darkness at all.” He is radiant and holy, and His perfection is totally incompatible with man’s sinfulness. John tells us that in order to have fellowship with God we must walk in the light. When we do so, God shines a spotlight on our sins.

The spotlight may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it is crucial to staying in good standing with God. When we realize that something is not right in our lives we can immediately receive forgiveness and cleansing by confessing and determining to repent.

Those Who Walk in Darkness Deceive Themselves

A problem occurs when we hide from the light. Many try to duck into the shadows when something is wrong. They no longer walk in the light of God’s presence, but stumble around in the dark. Soon their sinful thoughts or actions begin to fester and grow. They continue to live a lie until one day everything gets out of control and the truth is revealed.

Unfortunately prominent spiritual leaders are not exempt from this danger. Those who act like they are close to God, but walk in darkness deceive themselves and others. In time, God brings the truth out into the open and, sadly, many followers are often left struggling to understand what happened.

Walk in the Light

But don’t lose hope! There is a way to overcome. Don’t follow anyone, no matter who they are, down a darkened path. Instead keep walking where God’s light brightens your way. If you walk in the light, as He is in the light, you can have sweet fellowship with God and with one another.

So, step out of the shadows. Allow the One Who loves you to probe and purify you. He is Light in which there is no darkness at all!

Love,

Mama

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Remember Your Creator: Lessons From a Wise King and an Abandoned Building

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Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them.”

Dear Kids,

The older you get the more you understand the brevity of life. Each person is here only for a short time and no one truly knows what tomorrow will bring. The blessings we have today could evaporate into thin air tomorrow. So it behooves the wise man or woman to learn from the past and to plan for the future, but to live wisely in the moment. So while you are young, remember your Creator and serve Him well.

A Strange and Unsettling Experience

I had a strange and unsettling experience this past week. My colleagues and I spent many hours at an empty school building in our county. A beautiful new complex now houses the many teachers, administration, and students who used to occupy the halls and rooms of this now abandoned building. So we were cataloging and taking pictures of excess equipment and supplies to sell at auction.

Remember Your CreatorAs we traipsed from room to room I couldn’t rid myself of a certain sadness stemming from the deafening silence and the leftover remnants of bustling days gone by. Teachers’ nameplates still identified each classroom. Forlorn plants sat on dusty desks, and dog-eared posters with encouraging slogans hung dejectedly on the walls. The whole atmosphere reminded me of a ghost town from an old TV western.

But the thing that hit the hardest was outside the school cafeteria. After eating lunch I stepped into the hall and noticed the area where morning announcements used to be posted. Out of curiosity I took a closer look at the page curling on the board. It was dated Thursday, March 12, 2020 – the day before everyone set their normal lives and routines aside to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. At the end of the announcements was this postscript, “Have a good three day weekend!”

No One Knows What Tomorrow Holds

No one knew that day they would not be coming back to this school in the same way they had done in the months and years before. Teachers taught and students learned online for the rest of the year. When everyone finally returned to a somewhat normal setting, it wasn’t to this old building. All the needed items were hurriedly moved to the new complex, but the morning announcement from March 12 remained on the board outside the cafeteria as a reminder of how quickly life can change.

A very wise man, King Solomon, understood the brevity of life. He spent his days seeking pleasure and fulfillment in all the wrong things. But as an older man, when life had worn heavy on him, he advised others to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. He learned from his past that all he had sought after was vanity that evaporated like a mist. He had wasted a good portion of his life and now time was short. He entreated his listeners to seek the only Person worth living for. The Creator and God of the universe is the One Who never changes. When life takes a hairpin turn He alone remains constant.

Remember Your Creator

So take a lesson from a wise, old king and an abandoned school building; learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the moment. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, because tomorrow comes quickly, and only He knows what it will bring.

Love,

Mama

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Bearing Fruit For Eternity: God’s Power, Our Destiny

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Colossians 1:10  “ . . . so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God . . .”

Dear Kids,

A holistic perspective of a person’s life reveals many things. Accomplishments, failures, and growth stand out in full color against the backdrop of time. Most people hope the final portrait of their life will show memorable contributions to this world. Yet so much depends on circumstances beyond one’s control and on decisions made in the face of these circumstances. However, the lives of God’s obedient children are guaranteed to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. The Holy Spirit is the active Agent in such an impact, and the writer to the Colossians calls this impact “fruit.”

Destiny and Power

I enjoy a good biography. Reading about the lives of men and women who have accomplished great things is so inspiring. Recently I finished the book Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, by Jon Meacham. The author points out that world leaders desire to impact history in a positive way. Yet so much depends on the circumstances at hand and how the public responds to the actions taken. These circumstances typically color our memory of the office holder.

As God’s children it is natural that we also want to make a positive impact on the world, no matter how big or small our sphere of influence. The Holy Spirit puts a desire in our hearts to love others as Christ loved us. This awakens a longing to share God’s truth that changes lives. But often we become discouraged as we wonder if our lives are making a difference.

Bearing Fruit for Eternity

Paul the Apostle wrote a letter to the Colossian church. He was thankful for all the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who loved others so well. He assured them that the gospel message they had received was increasing and bearing much fruit within the world as it was within their own hearts. He prayed a beautiful prayer asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that they would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects and bearing fruit in every good work. The ability to make a difference in the world comes from God’s strength and not our own.

It’s easy to look back over history and judge the impact of great men and women of any era, their accomplishments and their legacies. But often a Christian’s life isn’t as clear or grand at first glance. Someday, though, when we get to heaven, we will have the perfect perspective on how God answered prayer and added our own legacy to the great portrait of the spread of the gospel story.

Making an Eternal Impact

So let’s pray with Paul that through God’s power we will walk in a worthy manner, please the Lord in all respects, and bear fruit in every good work. Then, despite unforeseeable events and circumstances, we can be assured our destiny will make an eternal impact.

Love,

Mama

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A More Encouraging Broadcast than the Evening News

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Psalm 147:4 “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.”

God Names the Stars

Dear Kids,

Have you ever felt helpless when it comes to the affairs of this world? We each live in our own little sphere. Day after day we do what we do, keeping our slice of life under control. But sometimes, when we consider the bigger picture surrounding us, things become a little overwhelming. News programs cause us to realize there are powerful people making decisions for us; circumstances beyond our grasp affect our way of life. This is when we need to turn off the TV and take an evening walk to reset our thinking. God names the stars and they broadcast His glory.

God Names the Stars

The other evening Abigail and I decided to brave the chilly night air for a much needed stroll. We pulled on our Carhartt overalls, donned our winter coats, and wrapped ourselves with fuzzy scarves. After calling for Apache to join us we started down the long lane enjoying a pleasant conversation when suddenly we both looked up, flabbergasted by an incredible sight. The evening sky shimmered with pinpoints of light from thousands of stars. The half moon encircled by puffs of clouds radiated a beautiful rainbow of mesmerizing light.

We bumped into each other as we strode down the road with our eyes glued to the sky. When we regained our breath, we couldn’t help but comment on the incredible beauty and the Creator behind it all. The One Who created all these stars and gave them each a name knew our names too! He loves us and has control over everything that affects our lives.

The Stars – A Powerful Display of God’s Glory

As I studied the powerful display of God’s glory, the distresses over the uncontrollable affairs of life lessened. Yes, there will always be lawmakers making decisions, events threatening our way of life, difficult relationships to navigate, and unforeseen circumstances just over the horizon. But these concerns drift away in the face of the true reality. The heavens broadcast the message that our God is abundant in strength and infinite in understanding. He records the number of stars in the sky and gives each one a name. This is a reason to rejoice!

We finished our walk and reluctantly slipped into the warm house, leaving the night sky to shine on, a testament to our powerful Lord. The great news the expanse proclaimed left feelings of peace and comfort in my heart that overshadowed any anxiety about the future.

You might be overwhelmed and helpless when it comes to world affairs, but our Father is not! When it comes to the bigger picture, He is the mighty Creator and Namer of the stars. And no matter what discouraging update may be on the evening news, you can rest in Him!

Love,

Mama

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Abundant Life in the Family of God

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1 John 3:1a “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God . . .”

The Family of God

Dear Kids,

Family – this word conjures up different things for different people. But no matter your experiences in this dysfunctional world, there is a loving Father who longs to welcome you into His family.  His children are not perfect, but He has a goal to fashion each one into the spitting image of Himself. This is love! This is the family of God!

The Church Body – The Family of God

The family of God is often called the church body. Those who believe in Jesus join together for the common purpose of serving and worshipping God. In a letter to a group of believers, John urged those in the family to love their brothers and sisters because love is from God. If God loves us then we must also love one another.

As in most families, the process of growing and becoming more like our Father produces struggles while each family member works through his or her own personal weaknesses. These struggles sometimes make family life a little difficult. But if we keep our eyes on our Father, persevering to emulate His love, we can stand together through any trials this sinful world throws at us.

What Constitutes a Healthy Family Life?

What constitutes a healthy family life? Certain words come to my mind: love, importance, safety, value, applause, encouragement, support, freedom of expression. Every family member must have these basic needs met in order to truly experience a sense of belonging. Our heavenly Father offers each of these and more to every one of His children.

In our homes family members spend time together. They feel comfortable with hair undone and wearing a pair of comfortable, faded, ripped jeans. They eat together and share experiences – good and bad. They sometimes disagree, but will defend to the death when others belittle or disregard their kin. They celebrate personal achievements and small victories together. They shriek and jump wildly around the house in response to even the smallest successes, creating a sense of appreciation and value. They cry buckets of tears as they grieve together. They build each other up when the world disregards or belittles.

Family members boldly risk germs to be together. They provide care and comfort during sickness when others are too busy. They hold a hand in silence and listen attentively in the wee hours of the morning to heartbreaks no one else even sees. They bear with inconveniences and seek to discover and promote the other’s giftedness. They sacrifice time, money, and personal comfort for the greater good. Above all they love each other deeply and are willing to patiently slog through the messiness of personalities, failures, disagreements, joys, smiles, and tears because every member is important. They each know and feel secure in the fact that they belong and are better together.

Glory and Delight in the Family of God

If God has called us to be His children, then how can we create an environment in the church where all family members experience this same type of love and belonging? It can only be done as we value our brothers and sisters in the same way God values us. We must live it out the way John encourages: “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” This manner of family life brings glory to the Father and great delight to all.

Regardless of a person’s experience in a biological or adopted family on earth, a blessed truth remains: there is a Father in heaven whose love has no limits, and Who has made a way for us to be His children through Jesus. He knows us fully, grows us intentionally, provides life abundantly, and He calls us to emulate His love for each other unconditionally.

Let’s tenaciously bear with one another to make the church, the body of Christ, a home where all are welcome and belong. This is love! This is the family of God!

Love,

Mama

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Why Do the Nations Rage? An Old But Relevant Question

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Psalm 2:1 “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (ESV)

Dear Kids,

Why do the nations rage? This is not an antiquated question. It came to my mind just a few days ago when I heard my phone notification ping and in shock read the headline telling of crowds storming the capitol and political leaders being forced to evacuate.

How could this be happening many asked. But irrational responses of angry people are not new. Uncontrolled human nature often responds to personal bias or perceived injustice in rash and violent ways.

Why Do the Nations Rage? An Ancient Question

Thousands of years ago the psalmist asked the same question. He foresaw nations revolting against an even higher authority than a particular country’s government. These people rant and rave against a sovereign king – the God of heaven and earth. They are angry because they have not gotten their way and choose to rebel against His authority. 

But the mighty King only laughs. The responses of the spoiled nations are like the antics of unruly children to Him. He has appointed His Son to rule over the nations in power and nothing can hinder His plans. Those who rebel will be punished. He will break them with a rod of iron and shatter them like earthenware. But those who worship the Son with reverence will be blessed and will find refuge.

The Heavenly Sovereign Causes Earthly Rulers to Rise and Fall

Politics all over the world today produces sparks that easily rage into uncontrollable fires. Citizens demand their own agendas and rebel when thwarted or believe they’ve been violated. Leaders misuse their authority to force their own agendas. But the Heavenly Sovereign is the One who allows earthly rulers to rise and to fall. Legislators may believe they’ve gained power through their own ingenuity or popular platform, but the truth remains: they’ve been installed to high positions only by God’s allowance. No finagling or powerful campaigning gave them an upper hand. They can also be easily removed from power in an instant at God’s dictate. So we, God’s children, are called to respect whom our Father has installed and to trust Him for our protection and provision.

Why do the nations rage? They want to gain control and have things their own way. But this is a pipe dream and pure foolishness! The way to blessing and peace is forever the same. Focus your allegiance on the One who assigns authority to whomever He will. Honor whom He has appointed knowing that they will answer to Him.  He is our powerful Father, and He is still the High and All-Sovereign King!!

Love,

Mama

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Immutable: A Comforting Vocabulary Word For 2021

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Psalm 102:25-27 “Of old You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You endure; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. But You are the same.” 

Our Immutable Changeless God

Dear Kids,

This time last year none of us had any idea what we would face in a couple of short months. Who knew all the changes that would occur in our workplaces, social settings, and lifestyles in general? But time marches on and here we are again on the cusp of another 365-day cycle. The year 2021 is sure to bring more unexpected changes. But there is no need to fear the future when there is an unchanging God to hold us fast.

I have always enjoyed words. Very early in my life, language and vocabulary fascinated me. I remember receiving my first dictionary. The bright red cover labeled with gold lettering, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, became one of my favorite books. I often found myself looking through it just to discover new ways of expressing myself. This same volume still sits on my bookshelf behind my desk.

Immutable: A Fancy Word for Unchangeable

One of the big words found in my dictionary is immutable. The word is fancy but the meaning is simple. Something that is immutable is unchangeable or changeless. This is an attribute of our God. Although the heavens and the earth may change and even perish, God remains the same.

Our circumstances may change, our loved ones disappoint, our world teeter on the brink of the unknown. But there is Someone Who forever remains the same. Even we as individuals are constantly developing, learning, and growing older, but the Lord never changes. He is absolute perfection and cannot get any better or worse. His purposes are sure, and He will bring to pass all He has planned. His promises are reliable and we can rest assured He will follow through with everything He says.

A Comforting Vocabulary Word For the Year 2021

The New Year has made its grand entrance. We are all hoping life will finally settle down and we can get back to business as usual. But even if our circumstances throw us more unexpected changes we don’t need to panic. The One Who founded the heavens and the earth will always be the same. Let the unchangeable God hold you fast as you face the upcoming year. He is forever immutable – and that’s a comforting vocabulary word to tightly hang on to in the year 2021!

Love,
Mama

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The Brightest Christmas Light Ever

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1 John 1:5 “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

The Brightest Christmas Light Ever

Dear Kids,

Christmas lights brighten everything! We are now in the time of year where the days are shorter. The sun sets earlier and rises later so often we find ourselves going to work in the dark and coming home in the same. It can get a little depressing!! But somehow the dazzling displays of holiday lighting all over town lifts the spirits. The presence of light renders the darkness less gloomy. Now is the time to look for the brightest Christmas light ever!

I have never been one to hang myriads of lights all over the exterior of our house. For one, our old farmhouse is super tall and it would take a very long ladder and lots of maneuvering to attach the strings to the eaves, but I’m also a simpler decorator. I love a single candle winking in every window and white lights on the tree dancing through the window as I drive down our lane. But even the smallest gleams make a big difference as they welcome my arrival.

Darkness Disappears in the Presence of Light

That’s the way it is with darkness. It disappears in the presence of light. The only way to miss it would be to close your eyes. But that is what a lot of people do.

The Apostle John revealed to his readers that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Those who have fellowship with God walk in the light of His presence. This light transforms their lives because the blood of Jesus cleanses them from sin. Christ’s life is the light of men. John was qualified to testify of this because he physically walked, talked, and touched Jesus in a way that we can’t. Those who walk in this light by obeying God leave the realm of darkness and begin to reflect God’s characteristics of goodness, righteousness, and truth. This fellowship with God produces a great inner joy despite the circumstances around them.

Sadly, there are others who choose to close their eyes to God’s light. The darkness has blinded them to the truth. They love the gloomy obscurity because it allows them to continue in their evil deeds. They think they will stay hidden and not be exposed. But these individuals miss so much! They have no fellowship with God and refuse the inheritance of the Kingdom of Christ. They are left trying to make sense of a messed up world with no way home in the gloomy shadows.

The Brightest Christmas Light Ever

Light and darkness are important themes in Scripture. They represent the difference between those who are God’s children and those who are not. And Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on these truths. Jesus Christ, the Son of God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. So as you find yourself navigating through the short, gloomy days of the winter solstice keep your eyes open. Jesus really is the brightest Christmas light ever!

Love,
Mama

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Sacrificial Love – It’s Not So Easy

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Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” 

Sacrificial Love

Dear Kids,

“It’s so easy to fall in love, it’s so easy to fall in love.”

Famous singer/songwriter, Buddy Holly, along with Norman Petty penned these catchy lyrics, and in 1958 the rock and roll band, The Crickets, recorded the single.

“Yeah, where you’re concerned,

My heart can learn,

Oh it’s so easy to fall in love,

It’s so easy to fall in love.”

Real Love is Not Always Easy

The sentiment of these lines is one to be appreciated. But while it may be easy initially to fall in love with the person of your dreams, walking in love on a long-term basis is a lot harder. This is because real love is not always easy. Most of the time it requires great sacrifice.

Anyone who has ever fallen in love experiences a great wash of emotion. This song talks about the initial hormonal rush that produces giddy feelings of pleasure. As time passes these hormones stabilize and real life sets in. Many of your significant other’s habits that were “cute” before can become annoying. This is where the real test of true love begins.

Real Love for Others is Sacrificial

The Apostle Paul calls God’s children to be imitators of God and to walk in love as Christ has loved us. This genuine love prompted Jesus to lay down His life for us even when we were not very loveable. So, too, our love for others should be one of self-sacrifice.

We are called to love not only those who generate pleasant feelings, but everyone around us – even those we would consider enemies. Selfish purposes need to be set aside, and we must think of others more highly than we do ourselves. This may mean sacrificing time, money, preferences, and even our right to “be right.” It means always being kind, continually offering forgiveness, and patiently bearing with one another even on bad days. None of this is very easy!!

Sacrificial Love Brings Joy

Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ lyrics speak of an all-consuming emotion experienced by star-crossed lovers all over the world. For them “it’s so easy to fall in love” because their hearts are light and the relationship is new. But when God’s children imitate Jesus by displaying sacrificial love even when it’s difficult, we bring joy to our heavenly Father. Our attitudes and actions make Him smile. And that alone is worth the sacrifice.

Love,

Mama

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