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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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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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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True Love is Always About the Heart

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Mark 12:42-43 “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury . . .”

Love is Always About the Heart

Dear Kids,

The weather turns colder, and the wind whips the trees mercilessly. It’s a good night to hunker down on the couch under a cozy blanket with family. What more perfect setting to watch a favorite movie? Most of my preferences involve the typical love triangle. Girl has rich inattentive boyfriend. She goes away and meets a fellow with average means who ends up falling in love and portraying it in romantic and very real ways. Of course, in the end the girl dumps the guy with the money for the man who truly loves her with everything he’s got. This is because love isn’t about money; true love is always about the heart!

What would you rather have: a very expensive gift from someone who doesn’t care about you, or a small thoughtful present from someone who adores you and would sacrifice everything for your benefit?

Jesus Recognized a Poor Widow Woman

Jesus recognized a poor widow woman who did just that. She only had two small coins to give, but He pointed her out to His disciples as someone to be emulated. He was nearing the end of His earthly ministry and had met many different people. The religious leaders should have understood who He was and reverenced Him, but instead they despised Him. Yet they continued to go through the rituals of honoring God with great piety although they only cared about gaining personal recognition and admiration.

One day Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and began observing the contributors. There were many rich people putting in large sums. I am sure they made a great display of their fine offerings, so others would see how generous and spiritual they were.

But suddenly there appeared a poor widow woman. She approached the offering box and dropped in two copper coins. Those whose eyes were only on themselves hardly noticed the clink of this measly offering. But Jesus noticed and called His disciples to Him. “Look at her,” He said. “Her gift is worth more than all of the other contributors to the treasury. They put in out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty. She offered all she possessed and had to live on.” This unassuming, humble act came from a deep faith and a heart of love, and it caught Jesus’ attention.

Love is Always About the Heart

In just a few short days Jesus would be led away to the cross to play His part in the greatest love story ever. He gave up everything including His life for us, so shouldn’t we, like the poor widow, sacrifice all for Him?

The wind continues to howl outside the living room window, but our hearts are warmed as the girl falls in love with the underdog in yet another chick flick. It’s because most of us value the real deal over the self-centered love interest. We know that in all love stories it’s never about the money; it’s always about the heart.

Love,

Mama

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God’s Way to the Top is at the Bottom

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Mark 10:44-45 “ . . . and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.”

God's Way to the Top is at the Bottom

Dear Kids,

How does a person make it to a place of prominence? Our world would say you do whatever it takes to fight your way to the top. But in God’s economy the way to the top is at the bottom.

Fall Sunday afternoons bring to mind so many peaceful feelings: enjoyment of a warm scrumptious meal with family, encouraging conversation around our large, Amish-made dining room table where everyone feels satisfied and loved, walks with good friends down a country road lined with glorious trees of changing colors, and the soothing sound of the football game droning on while I drift off to sleep in my comfy chair until the punctuated cheers of the sofa fans startle me out of my slumber.

Avid football fans have always intrigued me. These devoted followers wear the gear, decorate the house, scream encouragement, and rarely miss a game, always hoping their team will win.

Desire to be at the Top is a Natural Human Craving

This particular desire to be on top seems to be a natural human craving in more than just the realm of football. We often strive to be the best in our class, top achiever in our work, highly recognized in our circles, record breakers in our sports, and even sometimes the most respected in our churches. How else does one become successful if he or she doesn’t shoot for the top position?

More than once Jesus’ disciples expressed their desire for a place of prominence in God’s kingdom. One day James and John approached Him and solicited Jesus to do what they asked: give them the seats of honor at His right and left side in glory. Jesus told them they did not understand what they were asking. Could they drink the cup He had to drink? Could they be baptized with the baptism with which He was baptized? Even though these audacious men thought they could, Jesus informed them these positions were not His to give. Of course, their request annoyed the rest of the disciples who also wanted these positions of honor.

God’s Way to the Top is By Lowering Yourself to Servanthood

So Jesus called the grappling men to Himself and taught them a different method of becoming great than the world proposed. His route to the top was not by pushing yourself ahead. Instead, it involved lowering yourself to the status of a servant. He, Himself, would be the greatest standard of this manner of living. For the Son of God, the Creator of all the earth, came to this world not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Anyone who was to be His disciple must follow His example.

In God’s economy, those who push themselves forward end up last. And those who take a back seat end up first. What a contrast to how we normally structure our lives! Instead of using all our resources to become the top dog and call all the shots, we are to humble ourselves and use our resources to serve others.

I know Autumn Sunday afternoons will always hold a special appeal for football fans. And I will probably always love the drowsy sound of the TV announcers calling the game. But when you nestle down on the couch to cheer your favorite team to the top of their division, make sure you don’t carry the mindset into the rest of life. If you want to be a follower of Jesus the way to the top is at the bottom.

Love,
Mama

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What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

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Jeremiah 17:9-10a “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart . . .” (NIV)

Dear Kids,

What's Really Behind Your Mask?

What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

We now live in a world where masks are an everyday reality. Every time you engage with someone – whether at work, school, or store – everyone wears a mask to protect themselves and others. But is this really very different than what has always been?

The other day I took my weekly grocery shopping trip into town. While in the store I ran into four people I thought I knew. I didn’t recognize any of them at first because half of their face was covered, but after scrutinizing their other physical characteristics, even one person’s sandaled feet, I realized they were acquaintances. It took some time and effort to recognize these individuals because I couldn’t see an important part of their face.

Creativity With Your Masks

Since the mandate to mask up, I’ve also noticed a wide variety of creativity. I’ve come across big toothy smiley faces, scary monster grimaces, animal snouts, and masks with various messages. Each of these is meant to draw attention to the wearer and evoke some sort of response, but no one really knows the true sentiment behind the cloth cover.

This may seem like a new and strange development in our COVID-19 world, but people have been masking up for years. Some of the seemingly happiest people I’ve known have struggled with debilitating depression within the recesses of their inner self. Other ultra-charismatic people sometimes have ulterior motives. Their smooth and well-timed words may be meant to induce the response they want from the hearer. What we initially see in people is not always the truth of their character.

God Sees Behind Your Mask

Although we can’t always discern what’s behind the masks people wear, there is Someone Who can. God is not fooled by a laughing face cover trying to disguise tears. Likewise, He never capitulates to smooth talk and calculated actions meant to use others for personal gain. He sees directly into the soul and discerns the deepest hurts and truest motives. This can be a scary thought if your heart is not right. But it is also very comforting when others don’t get you or understand your broken heart.

I’m sorry to say that for now it looks like masks are around to stay for a while. So keep your creative stash handy and available for all occasions. But while you must keep your mouth and nose covered for safety’s sake, be careful not to cover up the true sentiments of your heart. Friends and family may not always see the real you, but there is Someone who does. And not even a mask will fool Him.

Love,

Mama

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The Wedding Dress and the Power of Inspiration

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Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Dear Kids,

There are some people who just seem to inspire others. Their presence stimulates the desire in those around them to be like them or do what they do. They may possess a special talent that pushes another to work hard to attain success in the same endeavor. Or they may just have a kind and loving personality that awakens an aspiration for the same kind of compassion. These people hold a special type of power. They have the ability to mold those around them and change the world for better or for worse.

Wedding Inspiration

This past week our family has been coming down off the high of a huge celebration. Last Saturday Nathan and Dalia got married. So naturally this week the participants have spent time rehearsing the fun and beauty of the special day. The ceremony, the decorations, the food . . . all of it has been mulled over and talked about with fondness. But there was one thing in particular that was an inspiration to two-year old Ruby.

Four days after the wedding, Luke and Brianna celebrated their third anniversary, so Nana and Pops had the privilege of watching the girls. When they arrived Ruby pranced into the house wearing a floor length dress with blue flowers that she had picked out herself. When I asked her why she wanted to wear this dress, her answer made me smile. With her limited vocabulary she responded, “Nathan, Dalia, dress!”

A Precious Role Model

Apparently, Dalia’s beautiful white wedding dress captivated this little girl and she wanted to be like her new aunt. So she chose the closest matching outfit she could find and insisted on wearing it, twirling in it, and enjoying the attention she received because of it. Dalia’s beauty, enhanced by her lovely personality, inspired Ruby to be just like her. What a precious role model!

We all have a similar opportunity to inspire others. In fact, Hebrews tells us we should make it a priority to live in a way that spurs others on to love and good works. Life was not easy for the recipients of this Bible letter. These Jewish Christians were undergoing significant persecution and many were tempted to turn away from Christ and back to the customs of their past. The author knew they needed to stick together and help each other to mature in their faith through mutual love and encouragement. This is how they would remain firm through difficult days ahead.

A Good Example Inspires Others to Faith and Spiritual Maturity

Our world today also presents many obstacles to faith and spiritual maturity. Right and left, many are falling away from the truth. We must consider how to inspire each other to persevere and withstand temptation. A helping hand, a well-timed prayer, and a kind word of encouragement may be all it takes to inspire a brother or sister to keep on. And our brightly shining light and good works may be just the thing to draw others we meet to the Lord.

This week Ruby has coined a new phrase: “Nathan, Dalia, Dress.” She says it over and over as she remembers and seeks to emulate a beautiful bride. May those around us find encouragement in our attitudes and actions. May these powerful character qualities foster a deep desire for God. And may they be the inspiration that someone near us needs to press on in faith, love, and good deeds.

Love,

Mama

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The Church – A House to Remember

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Hebrews 3:6  “ . . . but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house – whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”

Dear Kids,

Kearny Gospel Chapel – The church building of my youth. Now it’s a preschool.

There is nothing like your home . . . except the residence of your childhood. I still have a soft spot in my heart for the little house on 24 Stewart Ave. This is the place where I spent my growing years. In my mind’s eye I can still picture my room looking out across the driveway into the neighbor’s yard. I can still hear the birds chirping and the whir of the lawn mowers clipping grass while I lay taking naps as a toddler. Every nook and cranny of that old place has embedded itself in the fiber of my soul. The front step sitting, backyard playing, and neighborhood connecting have become part of who I am.

God’s House is Made Up of Believers

I have another memory of a house. It was a small chapel located next to a funeral home on Bergen Ave, Kearny, NJ. This is the place where from birth I spent hours hearing God’s word, learning memory verses, and singing songs about Jesus. Much of my spiritual formation connects with this little building and the loving people who poured into my life. As a child I equated this building with God’s house. But now that I am older I have a better understanding of what God’s house really encompasses.

God’s house is not a building. It is not a place. God’s house is made up of people who have put their faith in Christ. In the book of Hebrews Moses, an important figure to the Israelites, was said to be faithful as a servant in God’s house. But Jesus was faithful as a Son. When we believe on the Son of God we become part of God’s household. Each believer is a living stone building on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the all-important cornerstone. Together we form the house of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

A House to Remember

There is nothing like your childhood home. It will always conjure up special memories that tug at your heart throughout the years. But it’s only a man made dwelling that will eventually meet its end. God’s house, on the other hand, will last forever. Its components are alive and eternal. Christ is the Cornerstone, believers are the building blocks, and the Holy Spirit lives within. Now that’s a house to remember!

Love,
Mama

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Renew Your Mind – The Power of the Refresh Button

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Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Refresh Button – Renew Your Mind

Dear Kids,

Have you ever had your mind get stuck? Obviously a healthy individual possesses a strong and healthy brain that functions normally. But I mean getting stuck in a particular mindset. No matter how you think about a situation you keep coming up with the same answers or understanding of the circumstances. Or worse, you have no idea that you are stuck. You think you are right, and just can’t see the scenario from a different person’s perspective. This is the time when you need to ask God to hit the refresh button and renew your mind.

The Power of the Refresh Button

Today’s young people have grown up with computers. They have lived and breathed technology since birth. I, on the other hand, grew up without this benefit. I had to learn the ins and outs of computers as an adult. Over the years I have come to understand the importance of the refresh button. If you come back to the website up on your screen the next day you may find the information is out of date. In order to get the newest report you must hit the circular arrow in the search bar and refresh the screen. I have also learned that changes you make to a website may not take effect if you don’t do the same.

Sometimes we live our lives stuck on the same page with old or errant information. We may carry around unfounded fears, prideful opinions, misunderstandings of God or His ways. Then we base our decisions or experience emotions originating from this wrong perspective. It is crucial for a child of God to understand the healing power of the refresh button. This is the key to renew your mind.

Ask God to Hit the Refresh Button and Renew Your Mind

Anxieties sometimes awaken me and disrupt my sleep. Work issues, family circumstances, financial concerns swirl around in my head. Soon I find the negative thought patterns cause my mind to freeze in fear over things out of my control. I have learned at that moment to ask God to hit the refresh button. He usually answers my prayer for help by bringing Scripture to mind that bring me back to His reality.

King David also needed his mind refreshed. In his case, the problem was his sin.  He had committed adultery with another man’s wife. Then, when he found out she was pregnant, he set up the murder of her husband.  Somehow he missed the gravity of his wicked decisions. He was stuck in an attitude of entitlement as king, and his transgressions had to be pointed out by the prophet Nathan. When David grasped the reality of what he had done, his heart was broken. He prayed asking God to create a new heart and to renew a steadfast spirit within him. God was glad to oblige.

The Refresh Button Changes Everything

The day I discovered the refresh button on the computer changed everything. I was no longer stuck with old news or left wondering why my changes to a website were not taking effect. But the best refresh button I can ever recommend is related to the mind. We all get stuck with wrong thinking once in a while. It may be related to a misunderstanding of a situation or a failure to understand our own personal blind spots. But regardless, when we ask God for help He will respond. He has the power to release us from stagnant thinking and reveal our wrong perspectives. Try it – there is healing power in the refresh button!

Love,

Mama

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