Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

By Leave a Comment

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

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

An Important Equation and How to Find It

By Leave a Comment

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

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

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

The Best Comfort Food Ever

By 2 Comments

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

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

So Who Can You Really Trust?

By Leave a Comment

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

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

Where To Find Much Needed Rest For The Weary

By 1 Comment

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

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

The Resurrection – Life Giving, Life Changing, Incomparable Power

By 2 Comments

Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms . . .”

The wind howled in the night sky shaking the metal roof panels above my bedroom that separated me from its fury. I shivered and pulled the covers up higher contemplating the awesome strength that swirled and whipped menacingly outside my window.

What fearsome power!!!

I prayed the left front portion of the roof of our tall farmhouse would hold – the part that already had a leak apparent by the water stains on Abigail’s bedroom ceiling. “We should have had that fixed already, ”I lamented, feeling quite helpless!

My sleep-deprived stream of thought, propelled by desperate prayer, suddenly shifted to another source of power. The Easter season upon us reminded me of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Creator of these raging winds outside the window harnessed even greater power when He awakened the lifeless body of His Son Who lay in the grave for three long days. Jesus Christ arose a victor over death itself and through faith all those who are spiritually dead can receive everlasting abundant life.

Now that is awesome power!!!

Not only this, the Apostle Paul prayed that God would reveal to all believers the access to this incredible power they inherit when they receive Christ as Savior. Paul deeply desired that God’s children know the incomparably great power of God– the very same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him with God in heavenly places – in their lives. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s working we receive whatever we need for life and godliness. We have a place to go with our concerns and a way to influence the lives of those around us who are suffering or still spiritually dead in their sins. We have access to the throne of God’s grace at every moment of the day or night.

The screaming winds, hoping to influence my now settling thoughts, taunted me even more by flinging the kitchen storm door against the adjacent window ledge with a loud crash. But somehow I didn’t feel as afraid. Nature’s fearful tantrum certainly had the strength to rattle our old house, but I found myself wrapped in peaceful comfort. Christ rose from the dead and the same incomparable power that brought Him out of the grave hovered, waiting for me to access it by faith.

I closed my eyes and one by one began to bring all my cares and concerns before the throne of God’s grace – the leaking roof, my grieving friends, my struggling neighbors – I confidently petitioned God on behalf of them all and felt certain that He would hear and powerfully answer.

Now THAT is life changing, life-giving, incomparable power!

Love,

Mama

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

Beware of Negative Consequences of Appeasing Crowds

By 1 Comment

Luke 23:23 “But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.”

Dear Kids:

Photo courtesy of Kenneth N. Taylor

So often it seems that the loudest voices get results. I have noticed it in personal venues, at work, and in the world at large. The people who raise their voices and persistently demand attention often get what they want, but at what cost?

Are You a Demander or an Acquiescer?

Years ago we were having some work done on the house and in the middle of the job the contractor left me in a muddle to do some work for someone else. When after a few days of patiently waiting I asked what the delay was, he told me that the other client had been pestering him about his job. He finally acquiesced and left my job to get the complainer off his back. “Really?” I responded, “So the person who is patient has to wait, while the one who is a jerk gets things done?” My opinion of both people lost some luster.

Unfortunately, many of us fall into this trap. We are either the demanders or the acquiescers. We either angrily force our opinions or demand our way, damaging our reputation. Or we give in when the pressure gets too strong and make a huge concession that we might later regret.

Many years ago a public figure gave in to an angry and persistent crowd. Little did he know that his decision would live in infamy for centuries to come. In the same way the demanders also had no idea what they were really asking for.

Pilate Gives in to the Crowds

The Jewish religious leaders seethed with anger over claims made by Who they thought to be the son of a carpenter. This man claimed to be Israel’s Messiah and the Son of God. Infuriated, the whole assembly of religious leaders dragged Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, to voice their accusations. Pilate questioned Jesus, but could find no reason to charge him with a crime and he announced his plan to let him go. The crowds hissed and screamed, demanding their way.

Pilate, thinking he could appease the crowds and get out of this political mess, sent Jesus to Herod, the part-Jewish ruler of Galilee and Perea. But Herod only made a mockery of Jesus and sent him back to Pilate with the same verdict of “not guilty.”

Pilate desperately tried a few more times to convince the crowds of Jesus’ innocence, but the riots got even more out of control. The people screamed louder for Jesus to be crucified. Finally, despite his better judgment, Pilate caved under the pressure and agreed to grant the crowds their demand. Their insistent shouts finally prevailed.

The High Cost of Listening to the Loudest Voices

Did the religious rulers really understand the repercussions of what they were asking? Did Pilate comprehend the gravity of giving in to the crowds? I am not sure, but the loudest voices finally won! They crucified the Son of God on a Roman cross.

Every year, on Good Friday especially, we remember how the crowds of people and religious leaders loudly demanded that Jesus Christ be crucified. We also remember how an important public figure gave way to the loudest voices and went against his convictions.

Today we also have a choice to make. Will we listen to the people screaming all around us, and the media amplifying the views of the world? Or will we recognize Jesus as the Son of God and stand firm to our convictions? Who will prevail, the truth or the loudest voices?

Love,
Mama

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

My Blue Jean Dilemma – Finding the Truth in a Deceptive World

By Leave a Comment

Acts 20:28-30 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. ” 

Dear Kids:

Sometimes it’s very hard to decipher between right and wrong, good and bad, or true and false. Often circumstances are deceptive, and certain people master the art of deceiving others into thinking they are something they are not. They blend right in with those they imitate and can wreak havoc without anyone really knowing what happened. In fact, discerning who represents truth and who doesn’t is often as hard as recognizing the right blue jeans.

My Blue Jean Dilemma

“MOM, why are you wearing my jeans?” Abigail questioned me the other day.

“These are yours? How can you tell when they all look the same?”

“I just know.”

Ugh!! I have such a hard time telling the difference between all the blue jeans that go through our laundry. They are all the same shade of blue, around the same size, and made by the same manufacturer. A quick glance shows no difference to me – hence why I always put them in the wrong drawers.

The Apostle Paul’s Warning

The Apostle Paul counseled the elders at the church of Ephesus to be on their guard. He knew that look-alikes can often be confusing. He warned that when he departed perverse men would infiltrate the church. These fake leaders would look like leaders, use similar language as the others, and display an authority that would confuse some into believing lies. The results would be devastating and a triumph for Satan. So Paul warned the congregation to stay on the alert.

This same warning rings true for us today. There are many sitting in our churches who seem to fit right in. These parishioners say the right religious words, sing the same spiritual songs, raise their hands in all the right places, and maybe even where the same brand of blue jeans. But they are not who they say they are. When listening to their understanding of God’s plan of salvation they subscribe to a different idea than the Bible puts forth. Maybe they believe that good works will get you to heaven or that God’s love would never send someone to hell. These and other diversions from God’s truth simmer under the surface blending in unnoticed until they eventually find their way into a sympathetic ear and some are drawn away.

Finding the Truth in a Deceptive World

How do we make sure we are not confused?

Paul encouraged the Ephesians to remember all his words and warnings, and exhorted them to seek God’s guidance trusting in His protection. And most importantly Paul insisted they commit to knowing God’s word, allowing it to build them up into all truth. This would be the standard to measure any teachings or words spoken by those around them.

My blue jean dilemma is not of much consequence in the whole scheme of life. If a pair or two of jeans end up in the wrong drawer, life will still go on. But being able to discern the difference between a God-appointed leader and one who is disseminating lies is crucial. It may be the difference between spiritual life and spiritual death for those who are caught unawares.

So make sure you stay alert and evaluate all the teachings you hear. Constantly pray for God’s wisdom and guidance. Set your mind to study the Scriptures intently so you can discern what is truth and what is not. In so doing you will be better able to decipher between right and wrong, good and bad, or true and false teachers . . . even if all of them are wearing the same brand of blue jeans.

Love,

Mama

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

How to Freak Out Your Enemy, the Devil!

By Leave a Comment

Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”

Dear Kids:

I had a freak-out moment the other day. I meandered into the event center to check out the merchandise for our upcoming auction and the first thing I saw was a huge rattlesnake. Granted it was stuffed and in a glass case, but the beady eyes, thick body, and raised tail still gave me the creeps. It is no wonder that one of the names the Bible gives to our enemy, Satan, is “the serpent of old.” This dangerous and slithering reptile is not something I want to meet alone in a dark alley – or an event center for that matter.

No other enemy compares with the Serpent

Nobody wants to have enemies. Most of us work very hard to please others and keep everyone on our good side. Yet no matter how hard we try, there will always be a few who don’t appreciate us or who even try to harm us. Still no other adversary we encounter will ever compare with this greatest enemy known to mankind. His methods are insidious. His determination is endless. His purpose is evil. And his sting is deadly. He and his angels have one goal: to deceive the world.

From the very beginning of creation this serpent determined to separate humans from God. He tempted Eve to doubt and disobey her Creator. It’s all been downhill from there.

One of the enemy’s best tactics can virtually shut down even the most seasoned of believers when they are not careful and on the alert. He is known for going before God and accusing us of our sin. Neil T. Anderson, in his book The Bondage Breaker, shares his discovery of the crooked understanding of many Christians, including leaders, who struggle because of the enemy’s accusations. They have been deceived into believing they are not important, qualified, or any good. These venomous thoughts and feelings paralyze many children of God and halt their witness and productivity.

The Antidote to one of the Enemies Best Tactics

What is the antidote for this kind of thinking? It is to believe the truth God has spoken in His Word. Christ overcame our sin by His own blood. In doing so He threw down our accuser with power and authority. Now there is no more condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ, (Romans 8:1).

When our enemy, that crafty serpent, shakes his rattle and bares his fangs we don’t need to quiver in fear because God has washed away our sin. In Christ we are important, qualified, and righteous. Our lives have meaning and purpose, and our testimony is powerful.

When we understand and believe this truth we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. And then it’s Satan, the serpent of old, who has a freak out moment!

Love,
Mama

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.

Family Resemblance – Do You Forgive Like Your Father?

By Leave a Comment

Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

Family Resemblance

“She looks so much like you!” a fellow high school mom remarked to me the other day as we sat watching our students practice for the upcoming play production of The Music Man. I glanced at the stage and had to agree. Abigail shows some physical features that loudly proclaim she is mine. While every child will likely resemble his or her parents in certain ways, each of us hope we have given more than just physical characteristics to our offspring. Hopefully positive character traits have rubbed off as well.

Those who are children of God should show similarities to their heavenly Father. He is a God of love who is kind to even the most ungrateful and evil of men. He allows these to experience the blessings of food, home, sunshine, and more. He gave the life of His Son for the ungodly and offers them forgiveness and salvation whether they choose to accept His gift or not.

Forgive Like Your Father

This is why it is not unreasonable for our Father to expect His children to display these same attitudes and actions. He calls us to love our enemies even though it is the most unnatural behavior to those who are in the world. Instead of seeking revenge or hoping for ill will, we must do good and lend to those in need without expecting anything in return. We must not judge or condemn, but instead forgive just as God has forgiven us.

But what does forgiveness look like? It is not condoning the sinful things that others have done. Or saying that everything is fine. It is not even forgetting the circumstances. Instead it is a deliberate decision to let go of the anger and bitterness that these wrongs provoke. It is relinquishing the desire to seek revenge. Instead pray for God’s best in the person’s life whether or not he or she repents.

Do You Look Like Your Father?

The process of learning to forgive takes time. But when we decide to obey we grow more and more like our heavenly Father. His loving and merciful attitude and gracious attributes will be reflected in us. Then those observing us on the stage of life will be apt to say “She looks so much like her Father.” And that will be the greatest compliment and reward we could ever ask for.

Love,
Mama

If you like Verses from Mama, I invite you to click here and sign up to receive them straight to your mailbox.