Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

How Christmas Lights Cured the Grinch

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Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” 

Dear Kids:

I don’t usually think of myself as a Grinch. Christmas is such a fun and special time of the year, but the other day some Grinch-like characteristics found their way into my attitude.

This has been a particularly busy December and I fell a little behind in the season preparations. December 13th rolled around without the hint of a Christmas decoration and even less gifts purchased.

My Grinch-Like Attitude

I took the day off work to get caught up, using the pressure of a large holiday dinner at our home that night as my impetus to get the house clean and Christmas-ready. Things went well until I started untangling the Christmas lights. I strung three strands around the tree before realizing that a few of the bulbs were burned out.

My temperature rose as stress coursed through my system. The hours until the party were counting down and there was so much more to do. My negative feelings toward the unruly lights grew worse until my attitude like the Grinch’s – stink, stank, stunk!!

In an effort to retain the joy of the season I pulled in the reins on my thoughts by directing them towards some symbolism behind the lights of the tree. The beautiful twinkling orbs were a reminder to me of the real reason of Christmas.

Jesus – The True Christmas Light

The prophet Isaiah’s prophecy of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to mind.

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.”

The prophet spoke of a child to be born whose name would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. This tiny baby’s birth and subsequent death and resurrection would bring light and life into a dark, dreary, and sin-filled world. His presence would bring gladness and rejoicing. His kingdom would be one of righteousness and justice. He is the reason we celebrate and take time to make the season memorable. The Savior has come into the world to conquer and forgive sin – including all attitudes that stink, stank, stunk!!!

Christmas Lights – A Reminder of What’s Important

I finally finished decorating the tree, along with all the other jobs that go along with hosting a party. The friends arrived and despite a few minor mishaps our time together was sweet. The large, decorated evergreen that Dad had purchased twinkled away in our farm house’s front window as a silent but beautiful reminder of what really matters – a Savior has come into the world and the people who walk in darkness can experience His great light!

And that is how Christmas lights cured this Grinch!

Love,

Mama

Think about this . . .

What tradition of the season best helps you remember the real meaning of Christmas?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!

 

A Post-Christmas Inventory

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Hebrews 13:5 “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’” 

The Christmas season is over until next year. How are you doing?

Now that we have come through the holiday of giving and getting, it is time to take inventory . . . not of the gifts we received, but of our attitude towards those gifts.

It is always so much fun to think and plan out our surprises for loved ones. Some creative people make their gifts, while others brave the shopping malls or frequent online stores to find the perfect something. Each giver hopes that the receiver will be happy with their gift, but sadly that is not always the case. Soon after the big day is over the stores open again announcing the newest specials, and many make the trip back to return, exchange, or take advantage of the big sales.

While I have no problem with cashing in on a good price, I wonder when enough is enough. Often having more is not better; it’s just more to keep track of. In the book of Hebrews God reminds us to be content with what we have. When we are constantly thinking about the next thing, we can be assured there is a problem in our hearts. The searching and longing for that final thing to satisfy our deepest desires will never be found in a shopping mall or online store.

According to psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud, only ten percent of a person’s happiness comes from external things such as Christmas gifts, a bigger salary, or other material things. And even when those things bring us great excitement, it is usually only momentary. The joy they produce will start to fade over time – our new clothes shrink, the expensive toy breaks, and the new technology becomes outdated.

The things that are the most satisfying are good relationships. And God reminds us that we can live in perfect contentment because, despite our circumstances, He will never leave us nor forsake us. His presence will fill us with joy throughout the year and His wisdom, power, and love will meet our deepest needs.

So how are you doing? Has the excitement you had last week when you gave and opened Christmas gifts started to fade? Are you thinking about what else you might want to have? Instead, why don’t you consider the greatest gift you could ever receive: God’s presence. Keep your character free of the love of money and be content with what you have! After all, when the money runs out and all the gadgets have been put into a drawer and forgotten, God will still be there. He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Love,
Mama

Christmas – The Remedy For Soul Hunger

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Psalm 107:9 “For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.”

There are many things one could say about the Christmas season. One of those is that it is a time for eating well! Over the past two weeks Dad and I have attended at least five parties – all of which included delicious food. Goodies and treats have also been streaming into our office as well-wishers stop by to spread holiday cheer. Everywhere you turn delicacies and high calorie treats are being shared so that by the end of this season most people will discover a noticeable increase in their waistline.

Last Thursday we held our office Christmas luncheon. This year we broke our usual tradition of meeting at a restaurant and instead stayed in at our Event Center. Aunt Julie created a festive atmosphere with candles and greenery, and Christian Brothers Meat Company catered the meal. The mounds of cheesy bacon mashed potatoes, country cooked green beans, thick slabs of pork and chicken basted in a savory sauce, and luscious fruit-filled slices of pie were more than enough fare to satisfy even the biggest of appetites.

Later that evening Dad and I attended another party. The friendship was sweet, but I must admit that I only tasted the dinner offerings. My appetite had been satisfied with good things from my lunchtime meal and there was no room left in my stomach. So goes the Christmas Season!

While Christmas may be the time for feasting on physical food, there is another hunger that often becomes more acute during this season of joy. Pangs from hunger of the soul grow in intensity as our hearts long for all that is good. Distant families, broken relationships, sickness, heartaches, loneliness, and disappointments gnaw on our hearts and beg to be satisfied with wholeness and peace. There is no pastry or confection that can cure this hunger.

Strangely the answer for these cravings is found in the true celebration of Christmas. God sent His only Son to the world to redeem His people from the adversary whose goal from the beginning was to famish our souls with emptiness caused by sin. When we turn to the baby in the manger, the very Son of God who came in the flesh, and allow Him to fill our empty souls with His presence we can finally receive all for which we have been hungering. While our present difficulties may not disappear, the unfilled longings for meaning and relationship will be met by Immanuel Himself – God with us.

As you fill your stomachs with delicious meals and sweet treats this Christmas keep in mind the remedy for soul hunger. Turn to the baby in the manger, the perfect Son of God, and you will never be hungry or thirsty again. For only He can satisfy the hungry soul with what is good.”

Love,

Mama

Warnings For Wise Men Everywhere

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Matthew 2:12 “And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.”

Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash

People’s words and intentions do not always add up. A kind gesture or pleasant inquiry may mask a less than stellar plot. This was certainly true when the Wise Men of old came to find the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

To aid their search these wise men did the logical thing to find this newborn king: they visited the palace. There they spoke with Herod, the ruler of the land, who showed great interest in their search and feigned adoration of the little one, the King of the Jews. Before sending these seekers to Bethlehem, Herod directed, “When you have found Him, report back to me, so that I too may come and worship him.”

The Magi may or may not have had an inkling of the evil intentions of this ruler, but nothing was hidden from God. He saw beyond the pleasant words and promised worship into a heart that was filled with jealousy and wickedness. The Almighty God warned the Wise Men in a dream that they should not return home the way they came, but instead take a different route to avoid the disaster crouched in the palace and ready to spring. God thwarted Herod’s evil plan to learn more about the new king and the baby Jesus was safe.

It is a comforting thought to know that God can read beyond the words and intentions of people around us, but it also gives a reason for personal consideration. What do my outward actions portray that don’t match with my heart? God knows these, too. This warning is for all wise men everywhere. Make sure your heart matches your words and your actions. You may be able to fool your friends and neighbors but nothing gets past God.

Love,

Mama

The Day After Christmas

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Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means, ‘God with us.’” 

Seasons come and seasons go! For the past month or so we have all geared up for the big day – Christmas produces such excitement and expectation. Now the day has come and gone and many are feeling a letdown. Adrenaline and frantic busyness to get everything just right has taken its toll and exhaustion hits full force.

This feeling of sadness at the end of something special will happen all throughout life, but I have found a way to carry the joy of the season with me.

When our family has been on vacation and it is time to go home and “get back to normal,” I combat the sadness by remembering that the most important parts of my life are still with me. When we go home from vacation I get to go home with those I love and continue to enjoy living each day with them.

Though the excitement of the Christmas season is winding down and we are thinking about getting back to business as usual, the gift and beauty of Christmas goes with us. Christ came to earth and was born as a tiny baby to restore our connection with our heavenly Father. The name given to Him was Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus, the Son of God, confined Himself to a human body on earth for thirty-three years, but though He has gone back to heaven, He has left His Spirit to dwell with us every day.

We celebrate His birth, life, and death each year with great excitement and pleasure, but when the calendar day has come and gone we are not left alone. Immanuel, God with us, is here to stay. He has made His home within each person who receives Him through faith and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

You may be tired on the day after Christmas, but there is no reason to be sad. The Father sent His only Son to be born in Bethlehem so that we could have His presence with us forever and ever. Seasons come and seasons go, but the joy remains. If you have accepted God’s gift of His Son, you get to live the rest of your life with Him.

Love,

Mama

 

All I Want For Christmas Is…You

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Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.”

There are only a few more days until Christmas. As the celebration creeps closer and closer some of us are still running around seeking to find the perfect gift for those we love. We scour the lists of ideas that have been given to us and make our choices about which present would best express our thoughts and make our loved ones happy. Hopefully we will choose that perfect something!

It has been interesting over the years to think about the different things people have wanted for Christmas. If you listen to some of the holiday songs you will be amazed by some of the desires. The only thing one little child wanted was “his two front teeth.” Another declared that she wanted “a hippopotamus for Christmas; only a hippopotamus will do.” Others express the desire for a white Christmas and mistletoe. Still others hope for peace on earth. But I think if the writer of today’s Bible verse could have his choice of modern Christmas songs, he would agree with some of the lines from Mariah Carey’s, All I Want For Christmas Is You.

I don’t want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don’t care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true oh
All I want for Christmas is you
-Mariah Carey

Though her song is speaking about the love and nearness of a boyfriend or girlfriend, the Psalmist expressed similar thoughts about the Lord. He said, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.”

David had experienced God’s faithfulness throughout his life. The Lord had been his protection during dangerous times. He had been his defense when evildoers had sought to destroy him. He had provided food and shelter, wisdom, friendship, love, comfort, help, guidance, and courage. Everything David’s heart desired was found in the person of the God in Whom He trusted. Though this man was a king and could have had anything he wanted, his only request was the presence of the Lord at all times.

What about us? Even if we should find every material thing we ever wanted or hoped for underneath the tree this season, would it really satisfy? If we were able to receive good health, financial stability, deeper friendships, the perfect marriage, or unlimited success, would these last forever? No, none of these would account for much without a relationship with the God Who is the giver of all good things. His salvation through Christ offers eternal life, and His grace provides for everything we need to live here on earth. Even the ability to enjoy earthly things comes from Him. These are gifts no one can do without!

So, I don’t know about you, but I’ve decided what I want for Christmas – the same thing the Psalmist wanted so many years ago. Lord, All I want for Christmas is YOU!

Love,

Mama

 

Waiting For The Christmas Gifts

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1 Peter 1:10-11 “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”presents-under-tree

Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, and who doesn’t know this better than children? For weeks now youngsters have been dreaming about the packages they will find under the tree Christmas morning, and the hopes and expectations build as the day approaches.

I remember as a teenager my younger siblings tiptoeing into my room to wake me up early. Together we would sneak into the living room to peek under the tree. We would curl up and watch the lights twinkle and we would dream while waiting for the day to begin. That was one of my favorite parts of the special day, and it’s probably why you children could always get me up Christmas morning before Dad.

This natural tendency of eagerly waiting for gifts started many years ago. Throughout the Old Testament God inspired prophets to write about a gift that He would send to earth. Soon after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden God promised that He would send a Savior to restore humanity to a right relationship with Him. The prophets foretold the birth of the Messiah and the suffering that He would endure. They spoke of details of this heavenly King that only the Father could reveal. They foreshadowed His love, His mission, and the new hearts all mankind would receive if they believed in Him.

These inspired men prophesied of the grace that would come to the world through Jesus Christ, but they did not fully understand all that the gift would offer or when it would come. They made careful searches and inquiries of Scripture seeking to figure out the Who, the what, and the when of the promised events, but that was only for God to know. Finally they realized that, though they would be beneficiaries of the gift, their prophecies would not be fulfilled until a future time.

Today we can look back on the birth of King Jesus and His death and resurrection. The grace of God has appeared, in the person of God’s Son, bringing salvation to all men who believe. This is what we celebrate at Christmas. Now we can look forward to the time when He comes in glory to fully claim His Kingdom.

You are all older now. Maybe the presents under the tree don’t bring as much anticipation as they did when you were little. But there is so much to look forward to. God’s gift of salvation has come to the world in power. His grace gives us what we need to live for Him every day. And someday soon He will gloriously return to earth as the rightful King and all will be made right in the world. Now, that’s something to eagerly wait for!

Love,

Mama

When God Shows Up

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Luke 1:26-28 “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’”

manger-sceneMost of us live within the confines of the ordinary. We get up each morning, make our bed, eat our breakfast, brush our teeth, do our work, come home, go to bed, and wake up to do it again the next day. With a few variations the regular events of our lives become a well-worn path of comfort to some and frustration to others. But sometimes as we go about our ordinary rituals, an extraordinary moment occurs – sometimes God shows up in a mighty way!

Mary, are you up? Breakfast is on the table.
Yes, Mother. I am just finishing my prayer time. I’ll be down in a minute.
There you are, sweet daughter, what are your plans for the day?
Well, I thought I would do some cleaning, work on the wedding plans, and do a couple loads of laundry.
Would you have time to take a trip to the market for me? We are almost out of a few staples.
Sure, Mother. I don’t have much going on today. It looks to be pretty normal and ordinary.

But a young girl’s ordinary day turned extraordinary . . . when God showed up.

Months later seasoned shepherds clocked in for the normal night shift on a Judean hill and all was as usual . . . until God showed up.

Hundreds of miles away Oriental wise men took their places to keep watch on the night sky. All the constellations were in their usual places until one day a new star shone bright, and ordinary turned extraordinary . . . because God showed up.

A young virgin was informed she would conceive the Son of God. Angels who announced the birth of the Savior of the world visited the shepherds. Wise men packed their bags to take a long trip to visit a newborn king. All of them were living ordinary lives . . . until God showed up and all of history was forever changed.

Are you living in a world of ordinary? Don’t despair. Keep alert with your eyes wide open. This could be the day that ordinary becomes extraordinary. This could be the day when God shows up and your life will be forever changed.

Love,
Mama

The Best Christmas Concert Ever

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Luke 2:13-14 “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’”candycanelane

Christmas is a time for music. Very early in the season holiday tunes blast from the radio, in the stores, and in our homes. Christmas concerts abound in all sorts of venues. The joyful sounds put us in the Christmas spirit and heighten the excitement of a much-anticipated day of celebration.

Last night we attended the Cedarville High School choir and band concert. As usual the talent of our students and music directors produced an auditory treat. The wide variety of music spoke of Santa Claus, Snow Flakes, Trips down Candy Cane Lane, and more.

christmas-concert-ab-kir

Two of last night’s angels. 🙂

As much as we love the splendid show put on by our children, I can’t help but think that it doesn’t even compare with the first Christmas concert ever given. An angelic choir performed this initial celebration and the message they brought was the best news ever.

The evening was dark, and the crowd was small – just a few shepherds guarding their sheep on a lonely hillside. Suddenly the curtain of sky opened and the angel of the Lord stood before them. “Do not be afraid,” he said, “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a a manger.” 

Suddenly the heavenly soloist was joined by the great choir of heavenly angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” The rich and melodious voices of the glorious choir filled the air with sound as bright light illuminated the sky.

The lyrics they spoke did not give rise only to wishful thinking or hopeful dreams. Instead their message spoke of a special baby, the sinless Son of God, Who was born that very evening. His promised birth would be the means for all people to receive peace with God.

When the concert was over and the lights dimmed, the audience of simple shepherds was astounded and inspired. They left their flocks in the field to visit the site of the child’s birth. Upon reaching Bethlehem they fell on their knees before the tiny baby lying in a manger who was spoken about that evening. It was true and their hearts rejoiced.

Today all can still receive the gift of peace with God proclaimed so long ago. It is available for all who believe.

What an evening! What a message! What a Savior! No matter how amazing a special performance is this Christmas season, I can confidently say there is nothing that could ever top the very first – and the very best – Christmas concert ever!

Love,

Mama

The Best Decorations in Town

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Psalm 93:5 “Your testimonies are fully confirmed; Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, forevermore.”

snowmanDeck the halls with boughs of holly!

It’s that season again – the time when stores, houses, and streets are twinkling with lights, strewn with pine-scented garlands, and bursting with the energy of the Christmas season. That is why I visited Wickline’s Garden Center today.

Since I am a little “decoration challenged,” I needed some advice on sprucing up the entrance to our office and I was not disappointed. The helpful attendants gave me numerous suggestions and promised to supply all I would need to complete the task. The porch pots sitting by our door will look better than they ever have when I am finished.

We all love this season for many reasons, but the joy of putting up the tree and filling our homes with fond memories and reminders of the Christmas spirit launches us into a month of holiday cheer. The decorations we choose tell a lot about us. Living in an old farmhouse, I tend to stick with traditional ornamentation like white lights in the windows, stockings on the fireplace, and a manger scene on the mantel. Others bedazzle the yard with blow-up figures and hundreds of colorful lights. But what if we thought beyond the typical holiday choices? What if we considered decorating our home after the fashion of the Lord’s house?

Psalm 93 tells us that holiness dazzles His home. The Lord reigns and is clothed with majesty and strength. All that He does and is sets Him apart from sin, and the whole earth is full of His glory. As believers, Christ has made His home in our hearts. Emmanuel, God with us, came to earth and calls us to be holy, just as He is holy. We must make our priorities God’s priorities, and His moral standards our standards. This is hard to do in a broken world, but think about how beautiful and God-honoring our lives would be if we decorated them with pure speech, a loving heart, and a way of life that pleases God. We would be the brightest and best decorated lives on the block. Others would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

How about it? As you hang the mistletoe over the doorway, trim the tree with homemade ornaments, and plug in the last string of twinkle lights, don’t forget to decorate your life with holiness. If you do, you will shine brighter that all of the best decorations in town!

Love,
Mama