Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Family Resemblance – Do You Forgive Like Your Father?

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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

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That’s My Boy! That’s My Girl! The Heart of a Loving Father.

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1 John 3:1a “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

Dear Kids:

It’s funny how the smallest things can embed themselves in your memory. There are so many things we forget, but then the most insignificant of experiences sticks and throughout your life comes to mind. Sometimes it even shapes how you look at God.

A Small But Memorable Experience

When I was a young child my family went to visit a neighbor family. I can’t remember what color the carpet was in the small house, or what we had for dinner, or even what we did. The only real memory I have occurred as we children were playing in the living room. We must have been doing something annoying – though I really can’t remember what. Maybe we were too loud or rambunctious, as children tend to be. But all I recollect was the father of the other children bursting into the room and bellowing, “You better quit that or I will get out the belt!”

This outburst unnerved me and my timid heart shut down! The evening was ruined and from then on I only wanted to sit in safety by my own mother and father. This small experience has stuck with me for fifty years and every once in a while visions of a short, stocky man brandishing a long piece of leather intrudes on my thoughts.

While this was just a one-time event for me, it affected me greatly. I can only imagine how children who experience this on a regular basis might feel. Their experiences with a belligerent and angry father would certainly color their view of their Heavenly Father. Many see God as Someone with hand on belt buckle ready to unleash and punish any and every mistake or failure we make.  But this is not a true picture.

Our Heavenly Father is Kind and Compassionate

Our Heavenly Father is a kind and compassionate Dad. He appropriately disciplines us when necessary for our good, but is also forgiving and understands humans make mistakes. I saw a much better illustration of Him this weekend while watching Cedarville High School’s rendition of the The Music Man.

Professor Hill arrived in River City, Iowa, with the intention of hoodwinking the town into purchasing uniforms and instruments for a boys’ band. Throughout the play Professor Hill falls in love with Marian, the town’s librarian, and owns up to the deception in order to make things right. The town is up in arms and meet at the city hall to decide what to do with the handcuffed Professor Hill. Marian makes a plea about all the good the professor has done for the town but to no avail.

A Better Picture of a the Heart of a Loving Father

Just when it seems that all is lost, the boys of the town, dressed in spiffy red and white band uniforms, march down the center aisle to the stage. They assemble across the front, raise their instruments, and begin to play with a myriad of blats, toots, and discordant notes. Despite the cacophony proud mothers suddenly begin to stand up in the crowd, pointing to the front and saying,

“That’s my boy!”

“That’s my Davie!”

“Mrs. Paroo, that’s your Winthrop!”

It didn’t matter that the band didn’t sound like the Philharmonic orchestra. These were their children and they were pleased and proud.

That’s how God looks at His children! He isn’t watching with hand on belt to whip us for everything we do wrong. He disciplines when necessary with kindness and love, but all of the time He watches us carefully with twinkling eyes and heart of affection.

Even when we make mistakes, are too loud, rambunctious, or not perfect, He is not annoyed. Instead He points at us proudly and proclaims,

“That’s my girl!” “That’s my boy!”

And all of heaven applauds!

Love,
Mama

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Do Ungodly People Really Win?

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Luke 6:23 “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

Dear Kids,

Photo by Jared Subia on Unsplash

Sometimes it seems like ungodly people win. We see it in business as well as in every day life. Those who have worldly wealth put the stranglehold on those less financially blessed and get what they want through the power of the dollar. Others use status to claw their way up the ladder, ousting others who may be more qualified. Unfair circumstances can create huge frustration and bewilderment for those who are trying to do right, but God has something to say about these matters.

Jesus Speaks Words of Encouragement to His Followers

Sitting on a Judean hillside Jesus spoke words of encouragement to His followers. He taught the attitudes and character qualities that pleased God and reassured His disciples that they would be blessed despite the apparent victory of ungodly men. While unscrupulous characters may seem to be rewarded here on earth, Jesus revealed the eventual downfall of the ones who choose to serve themselves instead of God.

The Gospel according to Luke records four blessings and four woes. This contrast shows that those who follow God here and endure difficult times with grace will receive their reward in heaven. On the other hand, those who disobey God and misuse their fellow man will suffer the consequences in the end. Worldly attitudes and actions only receive worldly rewards, while heavenly attitudes and actions receive even better heavenly rewards.

  • Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
  • Blessed are those who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.
  • Blessed are those who weep now, for you shall laugh.
  • Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man . . . for great is your reward in heaven.
  • Woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.
  • Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry.
  • Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
  • Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.

God Always Keeps His Word

A true man or woman of God must look beyond his or her circumstances and have the faith to believe that despite how things may seem, God will keep his word. Even the prophets of old endured similar injustices, so we are in in good company.

Do ungodly people really win? They may seem to receive some comfort and enjoyment here on earth, but it will only be short-lived. So don’t be frustrated or bewildered by those who treat you badly in business or in every day life. Instead seek to develop the attitudes and character qualities that God admires. Believe the words of Jesus and you can be glad and leap for joy. There is a better day coming and a great heavenly reward will be yours.

Love,

Mama

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The Brightest Lights Ever

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Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Dear Kids:

City lights have always thrilled me! Growing up in Kearny, NJ, I cut my teeth just over the border from the Big Apple. From my earliest days, I wondered over the beauty of the New York City skyline. It was an everyday, unmissable view as we drove east on the nearby highway. Uncle Chuck and I always sat on the edge of our seats so we could be the first to catch a glimpse of the Empire State Building and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center rising up over the horizon. You could see the skyline clearly on any cloudless day, but at night the radiance was spectacular.

A City on a Hill Can’t Be Hidden

Jesus played upon the brilliance of a city set on a hill when He told His followers they were the light of the world. The lives of those who belong to the Lord give off a radiance that dispels the world’s darkness around them. Jesus doesn’t call us to be lights. Instead He tells us we are lights. What we do and how we live are byproducts of who we are, and the Holy Spirit’s presence within us.

We have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son. Now we must live out this citizenship by brightly shining the light of our good works. This will result in those around us glorifying our heavenly Father.

God’s Children are the Brightest Lights Ever

Paul gives some guidelines for shining our brightest light ever in 2 Corinthians 4. He tells us to renounce secret and shameful ways, not to use deception, not to distort God’s word, but to set forth the truth plainly. Even when the god of this age blinds people to the light, do not become discouraged. We have the privilege of praying that God will bind Satan and lift the clouds from the eyes of the lost. In this way the beauty of the gospel that displays the glory of Jesus Christ, Who is the image of God, can become clear.

The New York City skyline has changed over the past two decades, but it still illuminates the eastern sky. It is still an unmissable, beautiful sight! But how much more brilliant is the Light of God’s children reflecting the Savior’s glory. It cannot and must not be hidden!

Shine on, my children, and this dark world will never be the same!

Love,

Mama

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Powerful Prescriptions from a Heavenly Physician

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Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Dear Kids:

Flu and cold season is upon us! It is not only the weak, but even the most hearty that can be forced to bed with coughing, sniffling, aches, and fever. This undesirable glitch in our plans is such an inconvenience for busy people like us! Thankfully there are excellent doctors and numerous modern medicines to ease the discomforts of our maladies and promote healing. This was not always the case.

Remedies from an old time drug store

Looking back in time often stimulates thankfulness. Recently we had an auction that featured relics from an old drugstore. As is my usual practice before an auction, I meandered through the Event Center to peruse the tables of neatly presented items. I imagined the sick from a time gone by seeking relief and healing from potions and syrups mixed in mortars and poured into beautifully colored bottles that lined the shelves of an old time pharmacy. These mysterious concoctions likely provided some relief, yet there was so much more they could not do.

Through the ages people have suffered in numerous ways. Our bodies are weak and over time we will each succumb to some sort of disease or malfunction. But even those who are healthy in body have other types of ailments. These are not ailments that old or new tonics can cure. They are of much greater concern because they can damage our minds and affect our thinking and our outlook on life. These emotional and psychological wounds shape how we look at God, others, and ourselves. Broken hearts of this type often lead to confused thinking, and there is no beautiful glass bottle filled with old time or modern medicine that can heal these.

Remedies for broken hearts

But there is a prescription that will do just the trick. The Greatest Physician ever known prescribes it. He, the Lord our God, understands the workings of every heart and the devastations that sin can cause. He provides the power to be healed if we are willing to let Him transform and renew our minds.

Are you dealing with a heart of pride? Take a dose of Humility. Are you down with a heart of jealousy? Slather it with a heavy coating of Love. Burdened with a heart of lies? Try two tablespoons of Truth. Are you aching with a heart of disbelief? Try a healthy cup of Faith. A heart of mourning? Spread the Oil of Gladness on it. And do you struggle with a heart of fainting? God prescribes a regular diet of Praise!

If you are sick with the common cold or the flu, then a trip to the doctor and a modern remedy will likely do the trick. But if you are dealing with a broken heart that has infected your mind, then the Great Physician is the One to prescribe the medication you need. It’s not a sweet syrup found in a beautiful glass bottle or capsules filled with curative powder. It is an old-fashioned health-giving balm activated by a transformed mind. Try God’s healing prescription today! It can make all the difference in the world.

Love,

Mama

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Hearing God’s Voice in the Storm

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Acts 27:25 “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.”

Dear Kids:

Photo courtesy of www.wallpapersbuzz.com

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could control everyone around us? Unfortunately there are times we are forced into difficult situations because of decisions made by someone else. While we may know the right thing to do we are powerless to act. Instead we are left at the mercy of another’s lack of wisdom. These circumstances may be frustrating, but we are not left alone as helpless victims of another’s insanity. God is still in control, and we can fully trust Him to accomplish His purposes.

Paul’s Stormy Trip to Rome

Paul was en route to Rome although he had warned the ship’s captain  it was too late in the season to set out to sea. The decision was made against Paul’s will. Now he, along with the rest of the crew, was in danger of losing his life.

The angry winds howled around the battered ship with fierce malice. The reeling vessel was barely held in place by a lone anchor dangling beneath the churning waves. On deck the captain and crew frantically tried to hold the ship together in the face of the hurricane by passing ropes underneath the straining hull. Thick darkness surrounded them and reached out inky fingers which tightened around the men’s terrified hearts, squeezing out their last ounces of courage. The crew had thrown all the supplies overboard to lighten the ship’s load. They, weakened by lack of food, were beginning to lose hope of survival.

God’s Voice in the Storm

Suddenly out of the gloom and darkness Paul heard a comforting voice. “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Paul recognized that despite the captain’s bad decision, God’s plan could not be thwarted. He repeated these words of comfort to the fearful men, and their courage returned. God stepped into the storm, delivered the crew, and Paul finished the task that God had for him.

Many times in life we are placed in difficult situations against our will. The bad decisions of others force us into places we never wanted to be, and we feel helpless to change the course of our life. Take courage! God’s perfect plan will never be thwarted by anything or anyone. If you listen, in the midst of the storm, you, like Paul, can hear His voice saying, “Keep up your courage, my loved one! Trust Me!”

Love,

Mama

 

Beware of the Danger Caused by Small Breaches

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Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

Dear Sons:

I found out the other day how small breaches could result in huge disasters.

It was a mundane Monday evening and Abigail suggested we go out to eat for dinner to cheer things up. I had a gift card to Olive Garden I had been carrying around in my purse for quite some time, so I suggested we put it to use. Abigail met us at the office after play practice, and she, Nathan, Dad, and I piled into the van and headed to Beavercreek.

Discovering a Huge Disaster

We had such a pleasant time lingering over Italian cuisine and good conversation that we hated to leave. After paying the bill the four of us drove back to the office where everyone got into his or her own car to head home. I arrived first and upon opening the door a huge shock met me. A fire hose-like spray of water pulsated from the kitchen ceiling onto the dining table where it splattered to all directions. The water spread throughout the whole room, leaving water everywhere.. There is no telling how long the flow had been gushing out of the burst pipe because when I ran to the basement to shut off the water valve I discovered that it, too, was filled with water.

This began a process over the next seventy-two hours of tearing down the ceiling, pulling up the linoleum, talking with contractors and insurance adjusters, and maneuvering around all the displaced furniture and pieces of our lives. The plumber showed me the tiny fissure in a copper pipe that had caused all the damage. Who would have thought that such a small breach would create such havoc and necessitate big time reconstruction of our kitchen?

Small Things Do Matter

We may be lulled into believing that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but it is true that small things really do matter. Young men, in particular, may succumb to the temptation of a quick glance at some inappropriate images on the computer. But these seemingly small indiscretions have the potential of exploding into a full-blown addiction to pornography.

Others have had their marriages devastated by accepting what they considered harmless “friend requests” on social media. A random text here or there to someone other than your wife can lead to wrong emotional bonding, marital discord, and possibly even divorce. One too many drinks of alcohol, a slip of the tongue, a wandering eye . . . all of these have the potential for devastating results in your witness for Christ, your relationships, and your integrity.

God’s word gives wise advice. “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Those who follow God’s instructions and pay attention to even the small things are blessed. Obedience to God and immediate confession of any violation in your thoughts and actions can help you bypass a whole lot of mess and devastation.

The plumbers fixed our pipe, but the mess was already there. We have many weeks of reconstruction ahead, but we can fix the kitchen. The devastation caused by lapses in our thought life and behaviors are not always so easily remedied.

So, my sons, take great strides to keep your thought life and your actions pure. Let our kitchen be your reminder that even the smallest of breaches can cause big disasters. But those whose ways are blameless are blessed.

Love,

Mama

The Best Cup of Tea You Will Ever Have

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Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

Dear Kids:

I just pulled a treasure out of a plastic Rubbermaid tub in the basement. Wrapped in old towels I found a blue and white china teacup that belonged to your Great Grandma Thomson. It is worn, a little yellow, and chipped in a couple of places, but I washed it out anyway and made myself a cup of tea. Why would I do this when I have so many other pretty and perfect teacups in the china cabinet? It’s because this teacup holds a special place in my heart!

Having a Cup of Tea With Great Grandma

Great Grandma had a whole set of these Blue Onion dishes. I don’t know when she got them but they are part of my childhood memories. I spent many hours sitting in Grandma’s kitchen sharing a cup of tea with her, Grandpa, and other family members. She taught me to heat water in a large kettle until it reached a rolling boil, prepare the tea pot by swishing hot water around to warm the porcelain, and let the tea leaves steep until the water was the right color. Then I learned to carefully hold the lid of the teapot while pouring the steaming comfort into the china cups. But I learned so much more than all of this.

For me a cup of tea represented a place of safety and connection with those who loved me. It taught me to have a listening ear for others. Cupped in my hands it opened up a world of friendship, affection, and comfort. And over the years I have associated a warm cup of tea with the safe coziness of understanding and love that a deep relationship can give.

Having a Cup of Tea With Jesus

That is why I usually make myself a cup of tea when I sit down to have time with the Lord. Of all my special relationships this one is the most satisfying. Jesus calls all who will listen to open up the door of their hearts and let Him in. He longs to sit down with us and build into us through a deep relationship – one in which we can revel in His listening ear, bottomless compassion, loving correction, and deep affection. Who wouldn’t want all that?

Great Grandma’s chipped blue and white teacup isn’t just a memory from the past. It is a reminder of the deep joy that friendship and love bring. We can have this with each other, but most importantly with Jesus. He is knocking at your heart. So put the water on to boil, open up the door, and invite Him in. It will be the best cup of tea you ever have!

Love,
Mama

How to Secure a Front Row Seat in Heaven

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Ephesians 2:4-7 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

Dear Kids:

Mike and Fran DeWine eight minutes before Mike was sworn in as Governor of the State of Ohio.

History is being made all around us. But sometimes we get to have a front row seat for the events.

Sunday night Dad, Abigail, and I had the great privilege of attending the swearing in for Ohio’s new governor, Mike DeWine. We and approximately one hundred other family members and friends all squeezed into the DeWines’ personal party barn where at midnight we witnessed the private but official proceedings.

Governor Mike DeWine signing the first six executive orders of his governorship.

The beautiful snowy setting and warm interior of the lovely gathering room set the stage for the evening’s events. Camera people and reporters focused on center stage while the rest of us found a place to sit or stand around the many television cameras. A buzz of excited conversation filled the chamber as neighbors and friends greeted the new governor, his wife, and other acquaintances. At 11:55 pm we were given instructions and promptly at midnight the ceremony began. As we sat and watched history was made before our eyes!

Family Gets a Front Row Seat

I loved seeing the DeWine family members, including children, grandchildren, and even the family dog, enjoy the ceremony from an upfront vantage point. All of these participated in the proceedings by standing around their father and grandfather as he took on this important government position.

During your lifetime you may also get the rare opportunity to experience or participate in something of such great significance. But even if you don’t, you do not need to feel deprived. There is an even better honor that is available for all of God’s children.

God, in His great mercy and love, has made it possible for any who call upon Him to become His very own child. And there are many benefits to being born into His family. He gives us new life in Christ, shows us a better way to live, and showers on us the riches of His grace. The Bible also says that our Father seats us with Himself in the heavenly places. We are invited to come up front for a front row view of all His eternal blessings. This is a place of incredible privilege!

God’s Family Gets a Front Row Seat in Heaven

Our Father is not just the governor of a state, but also the King of the whole world. His great and mighty government of peace will never end. He rules with love and power. He is the one who writes history, and we, His children, are invited to take part with a front row seat!

I am still overwhelmed by all I got to observe and participate in the other night. Thank you, Mike and Fran DeWine, for the amazing privilege.

For all who did not get to attend the swearing in ceremony of Ohio’s new governor, keep in mind that you have another amazing opportunity available. God wants you to be His child. All you have to do is ask. Then you can receive the limitless blessings He wants to give, and you will be invited to share a front row seat in heaven.

Love,

Mama

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

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Daniel 3:17-18 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Bart Sheridan’s induction into the Ohio Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame – January 2019

Dear Kids:

Things are not always as they seem. Human nature causes most of us to interpret each circumstance through the funnel of our own understanding, and we make judgments based on our limited knowledge. This is a natural tendency in a world of untrustworthy people. The only way to navigate past these biases and feel safe is to understand Who has complete control of all of life and to fully trust Him.

Keeping a Secret From Dad

For the past few months you kids and I, along with a few select friends, have harbored a special secret. We knew that at the January Ohio Auctioneers Association Conference Dad was going to receive the prestigious recognition of being inducted into the Ohio Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

Hidden emails and texts flew between those of us who were planning the event as we gathered information, put together a slide show of pictures, and relayed arrival information for surprise guests. All the while Dad was in the dark about this coming honor and life went on as usual . . . until the day before the event.

I had just texted Uncle Matt some information about the guests’ arrival when Dad asked to use my phone because his was low on battery. I knew I couldn’t give him my device or he might see the secret messages. So in a very unusual manner I abruptly ran out of the room and quickly deleted the texts before coming back and handing him the cleared phone.

I could tell Dad was a little taken aback by my strange exit, but thankfully he didn’t ask any questions and knew me well enough not to make any wrong assumptions. It wasn’t until the next day when he received the award that he realized why I had acted so strangely. Things were not what they may have seemed to be.

Three Young Men Trust God

Three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a strange turn of events, when they were taken from their homes into Babylonian captivity. This strange and distressing twist of life’s circumstances likely caused them to wonder about the God to Whom they belonged. Wasn’t He stronger than the king of Babylon? If so, why would He allow these devastating events into their lives?

But things were not as they seemed. And Instead of abandoning the God of their youth, these young men chose to trust Him fully even when they didn’t understand. When King Nebuchadnezzar made a law that everyone must worship the golden image he created or else be thrown into a fiery furnace they refused to bow. Their brave words became a testimony to their great faith.

They knew to Whom they belonged and trusted Him despite all that was happening. God honored their faith and walked with them through the blazing flames.

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

Each of us will also face times when we don’t understand what life has thrown at us. It may seem that God is acting strangely or may have even disappeared. These distressing times may even cause us to doubt His love, goodness, and power. But don’t lose heart! Things are not as they seem!

The God Who walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego through the flames will walk with you through your difficulties too. Don’t allow your limited understanding to shape your responses. Instead stake your life on His faithfulness and trust Him fully. He will never let you down!

Love,

Mama