Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

A More Encouraging Broadcast than the Evening News

By 4 Comments

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

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

Abundant Life in the Family of God

By Leave a Comment

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

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

Why Do the Nations Rage? An Old But Relevant Question

By 1 Comment

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

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

Immutable: A Comforting Vocabulary Word For 2021

By 3 Comments

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

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

The Brightest Christmas Light Ever

By Leave a Comment

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

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

Sacrificial Love – It’s Not So Easy

By Leave a Comment

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

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

The Thanksgiving Turkey – More Reasons To Be Thankful

By Leave a Comment

Colossians 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” 

Dear Kids,

The Thanksgiving season provides an occasion to stop and reflect on things often taken for granted. Our little Ruby’s wise mama has helped her focus on things for which she is thankful. Every day for the past few weeks she has been coloring a turkey feather listing something or someone she loves and is grateful for. While I haven’t been personally crafting turkey feathers, I have recently found yet another reason to thank and praise our heavenly Father.

Earth Science and the Laws of Nature

It is exam season for college students, and the other day I spent a good amount of time helping Abigail study for an earth science class. All the things God set in motion when He created the world amazed me. He brought about the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, stars, fish, birds, and humans with His spoken word. This is remarkable! But I had not given much thought to all the forces and laws of nature the LORD God set in motion to make our earth a viable environment for life to thrive.

Science has made great strides to understand the workings of our world, but there is so much we still do not know. Yet the Bible tells us that all things, both in heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, have been created through Him and before Him. He is the Creator and through Him all things also hold together.

Thanksgiving for God’s Incredible Creation

Evaporation and condensation produce clouds that bring rain upon the earth to water the vegetation we need for food. The ozone layer protects us from too much heat. Processes like thermal circulation and advection, all unfamiliar to me, were set in motion by a good and loving Creator to help protect, provide, and nourish our human bodies on this earth. It’s really more than my mind can contain! Yet the all-wise God thought of every detail to ensure a safe environment for His image-bearers. What incredible gifts!!

Ruby has colored many feathers for the things she is thankful for this Thanksgiving – family members, music, food, the park and even her favorite movie, Frozen. But I think I might stop over and add some other things to her turkey – like thermal circulation and advection. These, along with thousands of other blessings of which I am unaware, are also amazing gifts from God. And for them we should all be very grateful this Thanksgiving season!!

Love,

Mama

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

Getting on the Right Train – An Effective Response to Anxiety

By 2 Comments

Psalm 148:13 “Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.”

An Effective Response to Anxiety

Dear Kids,

2020 has been a year of increased anxiety for many people. We live in stressful times, but soon after this year made its grand entrance the pressures only increased. COVID restrictions, unfamiliar work and social conditions, and an unprecedented election are only a few of the abnormal circumstances we’ve navigated. All of this, melded together with personal struggles and fear of the unknown, lends itself to sleepless nights, tension headaches, high blood pressure, and a general feeling of unease. But late one night as I tossed and turned, my head swirling like a tornado, I suddenly realized a good way to respond to my anxiety.

“What If” and “What Was” Questions Create Anxiety

As I reviewed my apprehensive contemplations I began to understand that most of them pertained to two trains of thought. The first related to “what if” questions. What if this happens? Or what if that doesn’t come through? Most, if not all, of these ideas were only speculation and not based on anything solid. But once I allowed my mind to board that train, the panicky thoughts came faster and faster until I had worked myself into a tizzy.

The next damaging train of thought had to do with “what was” reflections. “I wish it was like it was before.” “Those days went by so fast, and I wish I could have some of them back.” “Maybe if I had done things differently we would be in a better place.” This mindset also caused consternation and added to the swirl of emotions keeping me wide-awake.

Focus on “What is” With Thankfulness

Once I understood the trains of thought that were taking me on a wild ride of anxiety, I decided I better get off before my mind and body collapsed under the pressure. It was time to change my thought patterns and focus on healthy and life-giving truth. That’s when I decided to concentrate on “what is” in my life. There are so many things for which to be thankful; so many reasons to praise God. I must choose to fill my mind with these.

Psalm 148 calls us along with all creation to praise God. Part of praise is thankfulness. By thanking Him for “what is” in my life I diffuse the confusing torrent of “what ifs” and “what was” thoughts that produce such great anxiety. The Lord knows the future and has it under control. He also understands the past and walked with me through every circumstance. So there’s no point in second-guessing. It’s time to leave that behind. But “what is” is where I can find relief and peace.

Thankfulness is an Effective Response to Anxiety

There’s no denying it, we live in a stressful world filled with many anxiety-inducing situations. So what train are you on? If you find yourself moving at tremendous speeds on the “What if” or the “What was” Express, then disembark as quickly as you can. Refocus your thoughts on praising God. Soon you’ll find that gratitude for “what is” replaces uneasiness with peace. And thankfulness is a very effective response to anxiety.

Love,

Mama

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

True Love is Always About the Heart

By 3 Comments

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

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

God’s Way to the Top is at the Bottom

By 1 Comment

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

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