Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

The Way Out of the County Jail and Other Prisons

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Zechariah 3:1 “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.” 

A Visit to the County Jail

The Way Out of the County JailA dark foreboding feeling crept over me as I pulled the metal door open and entered our neighboring county jail. I was there on business with nothing to fear, but still the clanging doors and dark dismal interior sent shivers up my spine. I waited on a cold bench until an officer unlocked the security doors and beckoned me into the hallway outside the office area. There, while waiting to be helped, I watched the movements of a few inmates and their wardens on the numerous security cameras behind the thick glass. Finally my business was completed. The door clicked open, and I hurried through the lobby and out into the sunshine.

As I headed to my car I breathed a sigh of relief. Yet my thoughts wondered about all of those who did not have the freedom to leave that imposing institution. What crimes did they commit? How long did they have to stay? What kinds of sordid things happened in there?

Satan, the Accuser of the Brothers

The Bible calls our enemy, Satan, an accuser of the brothers. He is always searching the earth for those whom he can indict before the Lord. There is nothing he would like better than to have us locked up in a prison of guilt and sin. He did this with Job, with Peter, and in a vision that the prophet Zechariah experienced.

In Zechariah’s vision Joshua, the high priest, was standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan was pointing to the dirty garments he wore and accusing him of vile things. The Lord, as judge, didn’t respond the way you would expect when presented with a terrible sinner. Instead He rebuked the accuser and told those standing near to remove the filthy garments and replace them with festal robes and a clean turban. The angel of the Lord then admonished Joshua to walk in the ways of the Lord. In so doing he would be fit to govern the temple, God’s dwelling place, and to perform the sacred duties with free access amongst all who were there.

Joshua, the high priest, represented the whole nation. God was revealing through this vision that though their accuser had a real case, He would cleanse them and set them free. In the following verses (3:8-10) a symbol of the Messiah, the Branch, is foreshadowed. This Branch, the Lord Jesus Christ, would eventually come to earth to set all prisoners free.

The Way Out of the County Jail or Other Prisons

Sadly, sin remains rampant here on the earth. There will always be those who stand before a judge and jury accused of wrongdoing and sentenced to imprisonment. There are many who, though they walk free on the streets outside the county jail, are imprisoned in their own hearts and minds. But everyone, even the cruelest of inmates, has the opportunity to be spiritually liberated.

The Judge of the earth vindicates all those who put their trust in Jesus. Satan, the accuser is thwarted. The prison doors of sin and guilt fly open. And the defendant is finally free!

Love,

Mama

A Better Way to Deal with Volatile Emotions

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Psalm 143:2 “And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no man living is righteous.”

Dear Kids:

“I can’t stand her! She treated me wrongly and I am done!”

Man Expressing Strong EmotionsHave any of you ever said or thought these words? If you are honest I am sure that you, like me, have expressed these feelings at one time or another. Maybe a friend betrayed your trust . . . or a client did you wrong . . . or a family member pushed the wrong button one too many times. People are imperfect and regular contact affords plenty of opportunity for rubbing one another the wrong way. Hurt feelings and raw emotions sometimes get the better of us. But what if there were a different way of handling the situation?

Psalms: A Wonderful Bible Book

Psalms is a wonderful book. Located near the middle of the Bible; its pages are filled with hymns and prayers from a number of different writers. For centuries many have found great comfort by peeking into the thoughts and emotions of those long gone. God, in His wisdom, chose to share with us the deepest feelings of some of His children in order to help us process our own struggles correctly and find comfort in time of need.

Recently, while reading Psalm 143, I was struck by the passion with which David cried out to God for deliverance and guidance. An enemy was persecuting his soul and the descriptive words seem to suggest that his circumstances may have brought on anxiety and depression. I can almost imagine this man at the end of his rope uttering, “I can’t stand this enemy! He is treating me wrongly and I am done!”

But even as David cried out to God for help he also prayed that God would not judge him for his own sins. He recognized that he was a sinner and needed God’s mercy and that no man is righteous in God’s sight. Later David expressed his trust and understanding of God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and righteousness. He belonged to the Lord, asked for deliverance, and found refuge in Him. He did not take matters into his own hands, but waited for the Lord to act.

Venting Emotions to God

When an irritating person – maybe even an enemy – has gone too far, we can go straight to the Lord with our complaints. Just as the Psalmist vented all his emotions, we too can call upon the Lord in our distress. But it is important to remember that no one is righteous in God’s sight apart from Jesus – not even you! Everyone needs forgiveness. Thankfully, God doesn’t remember us according to our sin, but according to His mercy.

Don’t take matters in your own hands. Ask the Lord to help you see things differently or to intervene when the situation warrants it. And maybe, instead of being done with the person, you will find you can forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.

Love,
Mama

Sins of Our Youth – The Mysterious Bean Caper

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Psalm 25:7 “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.”

Dear Kids:

I love my job! I get to know interesting people and often hear stories of times gone by. Just yesterday an older couple stopped in to see me at our office. They are regular auction goers and we have become acquainted over the years.

Human Nature Stays the Same

While helping them with business we had a very pleasant conversation. They told me about their growing up years in the 30s and 40s and how different life was back then. During the conversation Mr. Rhoads told me a humorous story from his childhood. This particular story proved to me that human nature has not changed throughout history.

Many years ago Kenny and his brother, Bud, were given the job of planting beans in their father’s field. They were each given a large box of seeds, which they were responsible to plant into neat rows.  This was an important job because their family relied on the produce from their garden for food throughout the year. Kenny tied his seed bag around his waist and set to work on his rows. But Bud had a better idea.

After working in the sun for a few minutes he decided to sit down under the nearest tree and rest. Kenny reminded him that time was getting short, but Bud just whiled the time away in peaceful relaxation. Finally Kenny finished his part of the job and started home. Bud got up to follow him.

“What are you going to do with the rest of your bean seeds? Kenny asked.

“Don’t worry about that. I have a plan,” Bud said.

He moved a flat rock that was sitting at the edge of the field, dumped all of the bean seeds on the ground, and covered them up with the rock. Feeling smug, he and Kenny went home.

Sins of Youth Given Away

A few weeks later their father came to them asking about the field because only Kenny’s half was producing plants. When questioned, Bud made the excuse that his bean seeds must have been deficient. But his lie was given away. For when their father visited the field to take a closer look he noticed that out from underneath the flat rock where Bud had hidden his seeds, bean plants were growing profusely.

Somehow, human nature causes many to think their sins can be hidden. But God knows all of our secrets. They are not hidden from Him. Thankfully He is a gracious God. That is why the Psalmist in today’s verse prayed that God would not remember the sins of his youth, but remember him according to His mercy.

Kenny, Pat, and I laughed at the memory from years ago. Much has changed from those days. Most of us don’t need to rely on our gardens for our yearly sustenance, but other things have stayed the same. We are all still sinners and God is still a merciful God.

Love,
Mama

Forgiving and Forgetting

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Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

“When you wake up from the anesthesia you will not remember anything that happened during the surgery.”

Dr. Fox spoke these words to calm my fears about my impending foot surgery a couple of weeks ago. The assuring thought filled my mind as the nurses wheeled me down the hospital hallway. Then the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room staring at my bandaged foot and wondering how three hours had passed so quickly. If only other kinds of painful situations could be forgotten so easily.

Living in a fallen world as we do, there is no one who will escape painful moments. Sin causes each of us to be hurt and to hurt others with our words, actions, or lack of action. Sometimes the pain is inflicted unintentionally when our motives are misunderstood, and other times the pain is caused by an act of malice intended to harm physically or emotionally. While these often unavoidable circumstances create wounds that deeply scar our hearts, the path to healing is found in forgiveness. God says that we should not let bitterness and wrath infect our heart, but instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving of one another.

When we choose to forgive one who has harmed us we set ourselves free from bondage. This does not mean that the wound is not real, but it keeps our heart from developing a deadly infection that will only make the pain worse. We must release the anger and bitterness through forgiveness because this is what God has done for us. By dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus Christ purchased our forgiveness and restored our fellowship with God. By forgiving others we release the hold they have on us, and we allow God to begin the healing process in our wounded hearts.

If we are to forgive others the way God in Christ has forgiven us, we must consider what that means. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” God chooses to forget our sin when we receive His forgiveness. But what about us?

Forgive AND forget! This is hard to do! If we choose to forgive someone who has harmed us, how do we forget the injustices we have suffered? It is not easy to let go of painful experiences and our minds often hold these memories forever.

I do not know of any kind of anesthesia that can cause us to forget our painful experiences completely. In response to different triggers, these injustices will sometimes come back to our minds. But I have found a way to aid in the forgetting process. As an unwanted memory flows through uncontrollable channels into my mind, I have made it a habit to debilitate the camera roll of events. I immediately stop and ask God to help me in my moment of distress. I don’t focus on future occurrences of the memory, but only on the present moment. In this way I redirect my thoughts, choose to let forgiveness win, and ask God help me in the forgetting process. I remind myself that He understands what I experienced and has everything under control. By trusting Him in the moment He moves me forward in the healing process.

My foot is progressing nicely after my surgery. Dr. Fox did an excellent job and I am very appreciative of her kindness, knowledge, and skill. I am also glad I have no recollection of the pain involved in the process.

It’s not quite as easy when it comes to other kinds of hurts, but I am even more thankful that God has the power to heal my heart. By trusting Him completely moment by moment, He will help me to forgive AND forget just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven me.

Love,

Mama

The “I’m Right” Game

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Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

The words, like angry racquetballs, bounced off the four walls of the neat little home. Harsh dialogue spoken from the depths of raw emotions ripped back and forth – the competition was on. Raised voices shouted wrongs from the past and hea
rts ripped to shreds on both sides. In the heat of the moment, all that mattered was winning. But the satisfaction of the “I’m Right” game lasted only briefly, and a moment of smug glory ended poorly. An important relationship was damaged. What a price to pay for being right!

We’ve all been there! Sometimes it is so hard to keep our mouths shut in tense situations.

We know we are right.

We know we’ve been hurt.

We know we have interesting yet damaging information to share.

And we just need to win the “I’m Right Game”!

This is the game of the world and our sinful human nature is tempted by it, but God’s way is completely different. Ephesians 4:31-32 shows a contrast. The vices listed in verse 31 – bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice – are the reverse of verse 32 – being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. One set of rules destroys relationships while the other set builds them.

Why should we respond with kindness and forgiveness? The answer is clear. We should forgive just as God in Christ has forgiven us. We must walk in a manner worthy of our calling with all humility, gentleness, and patience learning to bear with one another in love. Our relationship with God should be evident in our treatment of others.

How can we abstain from playing this dangerous game when the competition is so strong? The NIV Application Commentary says, “We do not control the actions of others, but in choosing to forgive we establish control over our own responses.”

Some helpful ways to play by God’s rules are:

  1. Pray for early awareness of a tense situation so you will be prepared.
  2. Recognize the warning signs in your own body so you can choose your response instead of reacting.
  3. Listen and think before speaking.
  4. Speak softly and kindly.
  5. Change your thought process by trying to see the other person’s point of view.
  6. Consciously make a list of the good things about the other person.
  7. Seek to imitate God’s response to sinners.
  8. Trust God to bring the truth to light and to sort out the details of a difficult situation.

Our heavenly Father desires relationship. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die so we could be united with Him . . . and He desires that we also seek unity with others. This won’t happen if we play the “I’m Right” game by the world’s rules. Instead, be imitators of God and walk in love just as Christ loved you. When it comes to relationships, this is the only way you can win!

Love,

Mama

 

The Bite of a Faithful Friend

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Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

People do not always act in accordance with the way they feel. A circumstance can often illicit a response that inaccurately portrays our true feelings. This is one reason it is important to be kind and tenderhearted, always ready to look past a slight and forgive. This lesson hit home to me one dark evening a few years ago.

It was a beautiful summer night. The cool air gave relief from the heat of the day and drew us into our evening walk. Dad and I set out down the road followed by our old dog, Maggie. She also felt the alleviation from the stifling heat and rose from her place on the back porch to follow us. As Dad and I talked about the day, Maggie occupied herself with the things that dogs do – sniffing the side of road for the illusive scent of a previous canine traveller, cocking her ear to listen to the night sounds in the woods by the creek, and finally disappearing into the trees to investigate the evening wildlife.

As we turned at the bridge to return home we saw the reflection of lights coming down the road. At the moment the car reached us, Maggie, tired of her search, bounded out of the woods to take her place at our heels. She chose the very moment the car was passing to dart across the road. The squealing of wheels and the heart-wrenching thump told the story in one split second. I screamed and ran to the shadow of black fur that lay on the side of the road. 

Reaching my shivering girl I quickly surveyed the situation. I extended my hand to give comfort but instantly withdrew as the pain of sharp teeth penetrated my skin. Maggie, in her pain and confusion, snapped at the one who was trying to help. Her reaction brought blood to the surface and more pain to my heart.  

I have thought about that night many times in the ensuing years. Why would our pet bite me when I was only trying to help? It was because she didn’t know what had hit her. As she lay suffering she was on guard. In the dark my approach was mistaken for the enemy that had caused her pain. But when I spoke kindly to her, she recognized my voice, relaxed, and allowed Dad to lift her into our truck, which he had run home to get. 

Humans are no different in this regard. Often, when experiencing hurt, an injured person lashes out at loved ones. The confusion of their pain sometimes illicits a reaction that does not convey what they really feel towards those who love them and want to help. Forgiveness and kindness in these situations goes a long way. I know because I have often “bitten” others when I’ve been grieving, and I’ve been grateful for those who have understood and granted me forgiveness.

With a little love and tender care our Maggie recovered fully from her accident. Her injuries, consisting of only a few bumps and bruises, quickly healed and soon she was up and running around as usual. My hand also healed without leaving a scar, but the memory of a lesson learned was forever in my heart. Those who are hurt will often “bite” but forgiveness and kindness cover a multitude of sins.

Love,
Mama

Forgiven Debts

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Colossians 2:13-14 “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross.”

I really, REALLY, REALLY hate trying to collect money. It happens sometimes in our auction business. An item will not be on someone’s bill because they left the auction before the charge came through the computer, or maybe something was accidentally clerked wrong. When this happens I need to try to collect from the correct buyer. 
These kinds of errors are minimal and understandable, but every once in a while a customer will leave purposefully without paying. In these cases I usually spend a lot of time calling, writing letters, and even on occasion filing with the police to try to collect the debt that is owed to us. How I hate this part of my job, but somebody has to pay for the purchases that are made.
Paying for things is a normal part of life. Nothing is free in this world – somebody always has to foot the bill. Wouldn’t it be great if someone offered to pay all your debts? Just imagine if a wealthy friend or relative sent you a letter with a blank check offering to pay for college tuition. What a blessing that would be! But in order to make use of this gift, you would need to accept it, and send it in to Wright State. 
Though that is probably not going to happen anytime soon, there is a debt that we all have that can be cancelled. It is the debt we owe because of our sin. God requires that sin be paid for by death. Unfortunately there is no way for us to pay for this debt without eternally separating ourselves from God. There is no amount of good things that we can do to cancel out the bad. The Bible says that it is not by works of our own righteousness that we can be saved. 
God, knowing this to be the case, sent His only Son to die in our place on the rugged cross of Calvary. He is the only One Who could do this because He has no sin of His own. In dying on the cross Jesus Christ made a way for our sins to be forgiven, paying for the charges that were held against us. Jesus paid for this debt when it was nailed to His cross. We only need to accept His gift of full payment for our sins. Fortunately for all of us, He even beat death by rising from the dead! What a powerful and wonderful Savior!
I still have a number of collections that need to be made for our auction service (Did I mention that I really, REALLY, REALLY hate trying to collect money?). Somebody is going to have to pay these bills. But, praise God, our debt of sin has been paid for!

“Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.”


Love, 
Mama

Want to have your debt forgiven? Click HERE to learn how and receive God’s free gift.

The Morning Will Soon Be Here

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Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. “

 


The morning will soon be here!

One of the worst feelings you will ever experience is the anguish of regret when you have hurt someone’s feelings or done a person wrong. So often this happens when releasing frustrations on an innocent bystander who may even be a close friend or loved one. I have done this many times in my life. Though the release of the torrent of grievances may feel freeing for a few minutes, it is so often followed by chains of remorse that tie the gut in knots.

How I have wished I could take back thoughtless words or actions. But once they escape these stinging emotions burrow like termites into an old log, damaging what once was strong and beautiful. Often, from the moment of their release, my thoughts are consumed with trying to make things right – trying to restore the relationship that once was so warm, but now seems so distant.

The writer of Psalm 130 understood this feeling. His sense of estrangement from God because of his sin was very painful, and all he desired was that the Lord would hear his voice and be attentive to his cries. He craved a restored relationship and waited for it as a night watchman would search the horizon for the morning light.

Yet he did not wait in desperation wondering what the outcome would be. He knew the One he was calling enough to understand that His lovingkindness and forgiving spirit were abundant. There was no limit to His mercy; therefore, he put his hope in the Lord’s faithfulness to keep His word.

For those who feel this deep chasm between God and themselves, here are a few things to remember.

1. There is no depth too deep.  No matter how low you have fallen into sin, God is listening for your voice. When you call to Him He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

2. There is no deadline too far. In military prisons there were boundaries surrounding the compound. If a prisoner went past these deadlines they would very likely be shot by the guards. If the Lord were to mark our iniquities with a boundary, there is no way that anyone could stand. But when God forgives He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. He does not keep track so that we must fear we will reach our limit.

3. There is no disappointment for those who wait. For those who wait and watch for the Lord there will be no disappointment. Just as the sun rises each morning, the lovingkindness of the Lord will shine on each soul that calls to Him. His capacity to forgive and redeem is more than adequate and will never run out.

If, like the Psalmist, your heart and soul ever feel crushed by the distance that sin creates between you and God, don’t despair! There is no depth too deep, no deadline too far, and no disappointment for those who wait. Keep looking up . . .

 

The morning will soon be here!

 

Love,
Mama

 

Forgiveness

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1 Corinthians 13:5b “[Love] is not provoked, [and] does not take into account a wrong suffered.”

Illustration courtesy of www.concordianews.com.

The dewey grass soaked the cloth of Jesus’ robe as He knelt in prayer that terrible night. Surrounded by the pungent smell of olives in Gethsemane and serenaded by the snores of His followers, the Savior sought comfort and strength from His heavenly Father. The minutes ticked by as great drops of sweat, the color of blood, dripped from His face and moistened the ground even further. Understanding fully what He was about to suffer at the hands of hateful men, the Son of God firmly set His mind on fulfilling His Father’s will.

The time had come. The angry mob arrived in the garden and arrested the One Who had come to bring salvation to the world. As the infamous night continued Jesus, endured betrayal, rude comments, mocking, spitting, whipping, and the torturous death on a Roman cross. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not retaliate. The Son of God was led like a lamb to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. 
The powerful One, Who could have called a thousand angels to His rescue or blown His oppressors away with a single spoken word, did not allow the taunts and jeers of godless, wicked men to provoke Him. He suffered the unjust wrongs because He was able to look ahead to the joy His pain would provide – the joy of the human race’s having a way to be restored in its relationship with God.
How amazing is the deep love of Jesus! After all He suffered from the hands of men, and even while still hanging on a rugged cross, He was able to call to His Heavenly Father saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” The death He was dying was to be the avenue of forgiveness of sins for His murderers as well as for the whole world.
If Jesus Christ has forgiven such grievous sins against Himself, then why do we have such a hard time forgiving those who hurt us? Why is it so easy to let words of retaliation slip from our mouth when we receive an unkind comment or jibe? Why do we hold so tightly to past abuses or injustices, keeping ourselves bound up in anger, hurt, and bitterness? 
Love understands that people are going to make mistakes and say unkind things. It doesn’t keep a record book of every offense experienced, but graciously forgives and forgets. It puts away retaliation and doesn’t respond in kind when assaulted with sharp words. Love doesn’t seek revenge, but allows God to convict and discipline where necessary. When we forgive others we are set free to love the way that Christ loved.
Love,
Mama

The Sting of Death

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Good Morning,
The verse of the day is Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Billy jogged home under the hot Nebraska sun. He carried in his pocket a treasure he had found in the field and he couldn’t wait to show his mother and sister. As he ran up the front steps, the banging door alerted them that he was home. Dashing into the kitchen Billy exclaimed, “Look what I found!” Emptying his pockets he extended his hand to reveal a tiny baby snake. His sister screamed and ran into the other room, but his mother bent down for a closer look.  “Billy!” she exclaimed, “You can’t keep that snake. Look at the rattle on his tale. This tiny rattler will grow big and become very dangerous. You must take it outside right now and kill it before it can hurt anyone.”
Billy dejectedly turned to go outside and comply with his mother’s request when he had a thought. “I don’t have to kill it right now. I could hide the little guy in a box in the barn – at least until I can show my friends. Then I will kill it and Mom will never know.” His morale rose as he headed towards the barn to follow through with his plan. He found a box with a lid, fastened it down with a stone and went back to his play excited that he had bought some more time.
Weeks passed and every day that Billy went out to check on his new pet he considered whether he should kill it. He kept putting it off for a more convenient time. One day he came home from school and met an upsetting sight. His dog, Spot, was laying in the barn swollen and barely breathing. Billy grabbed him and brought him to the house, but it was too late – Spot was dead! On examination, his mother confirmed that he had been bitten by a rattlesnake. 
Billy’s heart skipped a beat as he ran back out to the barn. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw the empty box that had contained his rattlesnake. He searched through the loose straw until he found it and killed it with a pitchfork, but not before the venom had done its damage.  Spot was dead!

Through the years, my brother and I listened to this story over and over on our family’s record player. Billy learned a lesson and we did too. Sin always has consequences.  Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” By accepting God’s gift of salvation we can be free from death’s sting.  Even after becoming a Christian we continually need to “kill” sin in our lives. When we allow it to live, it will grow and eventually wreak havoc and cause destruction and even death. Ask God for forgiveness and  for grace to do whatever it takes to remove the temptation.

When sin shows up in your life, immediately take it out behind the barn and kill it.

Love,
Mama