Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Confession and Cleaning Out the Grease Trap

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For the Christian, confession must be a daily habit.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Everybody has a “to do” list. These are the things that we must get done. If you are like me there are certain assignments that keep falling to the bottom of the list. These are the things that are unpleasant or hard to do. I regularly skip over these, despite the fact that completing them creates peace of mind.

One of those unpleasant “to do” things is on my list right now. Every day  my computer program flashes reminders for tasks needing to be done. Cleaning out our Event Center grease trap has been on the list for a while. If you have never had opportunity to do this job, then count yourself blessed.

A grease trap is a box which catches all of the sludge from our big commercial sinks. When a caterer washes dishes, all the grease and food particles that go down the drain are trapped in this plastic gray box. This is a mechanism which prevents the sewer system from being clogged. All restaurants have one of these, and it is important to remove the cover and empty the sludge on a regular basis. Trust me, this is not a fun job, But the alternative is even less pleasant. We know from experience that if the box becomes too full, the sewage smell will become unbearable, permeating the whole building.

Most people don’t have a grease trap in their kitchen to worry about, but everyone has another place where sludge can build up. All of humanity was born with a sin nature, and within every human heart there is the potential to make bad decisions. My being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be just the conditions needed for sinful choices to rise to the forefront. Unpleasant circumstances can create feelings that, left alone, can clog our ability to think clearly. If we don’t deal with these matters immediately, it is only a matter of time until the stench that sin always brings will threaten to send you and many others running for cover.

God’s answer for this problem is clear. 

He tells us that “if we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Every person is called to do this, but opening ourself up before God to see what’s really inside is not pleasant. We like to think of ourselves as good, so we often allow confession of our sins to fall to the bottom of our “to do” list.

This action is a foolish one. First of all, I know the contents of the grease trap before I even open the cover. Likewise God knows what is in my heart. Nothing can be hidden from Him. Letting it all out through confession benefits us greatly. Take the lid off, clean out the sludge, and allow God to forgive and cleanse our hearts from all unrighteousness. If we make confession a priority and do it regularly, we will never be bothered by the repercussions of an overflowing grease trap. Our hearts will be clean and our minds at peace. God is faithful to do it and that is the best way to live a blessed life!

So get ready, grease trap, here I come! You are moving up on the “to do” list! It’s about time you had a good cleaning!

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

Ice Cold Beer Here … For Free

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Isaiah 55:1 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

Two enthusiastic baseball fans enjoying a cold Coca Cola for a temporary refreshment. (Nice retro vendor’s hat, Bob!)

“Peanuts! Popcorn! Ice cold beeeer heeere!” The distinctive cries of the refreshment vendors reverberate through every ball stadium. The excitement of the game, blistering heat from the hot sun, and cramped quarters in the packed stadium usually produces the desired response. Fans dig deep into their pockets and produce a wad of cash to purchase the expensive treats. But what if you could get your cravings met for free?

While you would be hard pressed to get any kind of discount on your next stadium hotdog, there is a deeper need that you can have met for free! This desire originates deep inside the heart. At the beginning of time, humanity was created with a longing for a relationship with their Creator. But we lost this right when our original parents chose to disobey God’s rules. From that moment every man, woman, boy, and girl has experienced a gaping void within their soul. Many do not even know what they are missing, but the need for fulfillment gnaws at the deepest places of their being.

Thousands have tried to quench this inner thirst with human lovers, success, fame, material abundance, bigger houses, high paying jobs, rich foods, and the list goes on. They live their lives running from one excitement to the next hoping to ease the ache. But the pressures of life crowd in upon them; the heat of sin melts their guilty hearts with shame and over time hopelessness drains their life of fulfillment.

But in the midst of this despair there is a holy Voice from heaven crying out, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

This gracious offer of abundant life goes beyond the need for physical food and drink. Those who choose to partake will have their whole being satisfied. Guilt will be removed through forgiveness of sins. Burdens lifted from the shoulders of the weary. Broken hearts mended by the Great Physician. Purpose and hope restored to those who have given up – all of this and more at no cost to anyone who will receive.

But the time is short. This offer will not last forever. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts.”

Hear the voice of the compassionate God crying out and COME! What He offers will satisfy much more than peanuts, popcorn, or cold beer at a ball game! And the abundant life He offers does not require money. It is completely FREE!!

Love,

Mama

Click here to learn more about God’s free gift!

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Be Quiet, Sit Back, and Rest

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Isaiah 30:15 “For thus the Lord God the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.”

There are some sad statements made throughout the Bible. Over and over again we read words of comfort and promises of God’s blessings, but often we choose to disregard His message. God offers us so much, and then sadly has to say, “ But you were not willing.”

This has been a very busy season in my life. Graduations, two sons getting married, work, and the regular rhythm of life have all but done me in. I found it necessary in the past couple of months to take a breather from my regular writing schedule so I could rest my body, my emotions, and my mind. Many of you wondered where I have gone. While taking a break from posting I have had time to study and think without pressure. It has been a time of peace and rest.

While reading and praying, the Lord led me to Isaiah 30:15. It has been such a blessing. So much is swirling around me. Wedding preparations are in full swing. Preparing mentally for a huge change in our family structure, as well as balancing work, home, ministry involvement, and so much more bring exhaustion to a new level. But the Lord has continually reminded me of the need to rely more fully on Him in these stressful moments. “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.”

There are times when we all need to step back from activity. Somehow we think that we must do it all. We run! We fuss! We strive! When all the while God is telling us to trust Him. Be quiet, sit back, and rest!

Judah was in a big mess! They had turned from the Lord and a foreign nation was breathing down the peoples’ necks. Instead of consulting God they tried to execute their own plan for deliverance. They fussed and planned and then finally decided to go to Egypt for help. There they thought they could take refuge in the safety of Pharoah. But all the while God was speaking to them through the prophet, Isaiah. He told them to repent of their sin, turn back to God, and rest in Him. If they would do this they would be saved. By waiting quietly for the Lord they would receive all the strength they needed.

“But you were not willing.” What a sad statement! All this blessing was at the disposal of God’s people, but sadly they rejected it!”

Today, God offers these same blessings to us. He longs to be gracious and show us His kindness and compassion in the midst of every circumstance of life. But we need to listen to His voice and obey. Sometimes this means taking a break from writing, other times it means saying no to the hustle and bustle that regularly dictates our lives so we can allow God’s peace to fill our souls and give us strength. When we are willing to listen we will experience the rest that God promises to give.

As the summer moves forward I plan to continue my writing, but I will only be posting once or twice a week and maybe sharing some favorite posts from the past as God leads. I hope this summer you will also be encouraged to take a rest, and listen for God’s voice. Do not disregard His message. In the quietness and through trust you will experience His unlimited strength and peace.

Love,
Mama

 

Sole Scrapers For Sale At The Farm Science Review

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John 13:10 “Jesus said to him, ‘He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.’”

sole-scraper1-copyI did a whole lot of shaking and stomping today! No, I wasn’t line dancing, but I was helping to man our Sheridan Team booth at the Farm Science Review near London, Ohio. The crowds swelled as the morning progressed and we shook hands with many old friends as well as making some new ones. Later, when we had a lull in the rush I joined the many boot-clad farmers stomping around the grounds, visiting the vendors and booths.

Dad and I stopped at the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association tent for lunch, said howdy to our img_2986friends at Farm Credit Services, picked up a newspaper at the Farm World headquarters, and later I hobnobbed with our neighbor at the JD Equipment booth.

I am always fascinated by the many different pieces of equipment and hardware for sale to make the agricultural crowd’s life and business a little easier. My favorite today was a booth across from ours. This company was selling Sole Scrapers. Their motto was “Leave the mess outside.” How apropos! This handy tool would be a huge help for the many men and women whose business requires them to walk around in a lot of muck. I know from experience that after visiting the barn it’s important to clean the soles of your boots before reentering your house.

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Luke Swaim working at the JD Equipment tent.

Spiritually speaking, we also need our souls cleansed. Adam and Eve brought sin into the world through their disobedience to God’s rules, and from that time on every human born on earth is born with a sinful heart. It is necessary to have it cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

After one has received this cleansing there are still times when he or she will sin. We are human and will make mistakes or displease God from time to time. It is difficult to walk around in a world full of muck and not be affected by it. Jesus told Simon Peter that those whom He has made clean from sin have right standing with God. There is no need to be fully bathed again, but at times we will need to have our feet washed.

As the Holy Spirit shows us areas of our life-walk that have become dirty from bad decisions and foolish actions, all we need to do is repent and ask forgiveness. When we come to Him He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In so doing we keep our feet clean and our relationship with the Lord stays strong and vibrant.

So whether or not you visit the Farm Science Review this year or choose to purchase one of these handy farm tools, make sure you keep your spiritual sole scraper readily available – because when it comes to sin you really want to “leave the mess outside!”

Love,

Mama

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The World Needs a Power Washer

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1 Thessalonians 1:5 “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know, what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

DSC01966I couldn’t stand it any longer! Our beautiful big barn, which has been the home of many parties, picnics, and square dances, had fallen into a state of utter filthiness. Birds had found refuge in the rafters and white streaked evidence marked their roosts. The whole floor was obviously the scene of their paint ball game as splotches of color stretched from wall to wall. Other intruders also decided to join in as mice scavenged for leftover food and pillaged Sonny’s old saddle blanket. Even a snake made the backside of a Rubbermaid storage container his refuge. Yuck!!!

I had recognized the signs of the takeover for months now and finally decided to fight back. So Saturday morning Dad, Luke, Abigail, and I started emptying all the contents of the barn. Everything was removed and piled on the gravel outside the barn to be sorted and cleaned. While the others continued the purging, I ran to the Tractor Supply Company store to purchase a much-needed piece of a equipment – a power washer!!

For the rest of the day we four Sheridans took turns spraying the barn walls, stalls, and floors with all the power that the machine would provide. Slowly but surely we removed all the filth and cleansed the places that had been the scene of such devastation and uncleanliness. Boy, did it feel good!

Sometimes when I watch TV, listen to disheartening news, or shudder at the sad stories of those around me, I think about the great need for a worldwide power washer. The effects of sin are evident and present in every life on this earth. Sadness, sorrow, death, theft, murder, abuse, and more have left their mark on a world that was once the home of God’s perfect creation! Selfishness, pride, greed, and other unworthy characteristics have taken the place of love and made a real mess of lives.

Cleansing is available through Jesus Christ, but how can someone recognize their need if no one tells them: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Paul understood this, and when he spoke the gospel message to a group of Thessalonians, his message did not only contain words but the very power of God and the Holy Spirit. This power convicted the listeners of their sin causing them to believe the message. They received Christ as their Savior, whose blood power washed their lives from all the effects of their sin. They were made clean and right in God’s sight.

Our world needs this cleansing more than ever today. The effects of sin have grown, devastating lives on a grand scale. Yet even the best of people are still filthy in God’s sight. We all need this powerful cleansing that can only be found in the blood of Christ.

The first step is to recognize the need. Look within! Look around! See what our disobedience against God has done. The second step is to accept the remedy. Listen to the word of God as spoken in the Bible. Put your faith in the power of Christ’s blood sacrifice and let it power wash you clean. There is no other way to remove the stains.

Love,

Mama

Are you a thrifty shopper… or not?

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1 John 1:6-7 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

IMG_2749There is nothing worse than working hard to accomplish something and finding out in the end it was all a waste.

When Dad and I first got married I was excited about setting up our housekeeping. I had all sorts of new kitchen stuff from bridal showers and gifts. I organized the closets and searched the local newspapers for ways to save money while stocking the pantry. After clipping all sorts of great coupons I grabbed my list and headed to the store.

My heart swelled with pride as I dropped groceries in the cart and thought about all the cash I would be keeping in my pocket. Dad was going to be thrilled. Finally I plunked all the items onto the register belt, and humbly averted my eyes as the dinging of the register announced each item and corresponding coupon to the people around me. Don’t they wish they could be as thrifty as I was?

It wasn’t until I got home and started unloading the car that a devastating thought struck me. Though the register tape said I saved a large amount of cash, in actuality I spent more than I originally planned on. I saved 25 cents on numerous two-dollar items that I really didn’t need and wouldn’t have normally bought. I mean, how much Pepto-Bismol is necessary to keep in your medicine chest? 25 years later and that bottle may still be in the closet! ☺

I can laugh at my experience now and there was really no harm done. I gained a valuable lesson, and over the years have learned to consider carefully if any savings I might receive from a fantastic coupon is really worth my investment. But there are other mistakes that have greater consequences.

There are many people who feel very confident in their relationship with God. They believe they know all the right answers and have done all the right things. If you were to ask them, they would assure you that they have fellowship with the God of the universe, but someday they will find out they were mistaken. What a tragedy that will be!

How can you be sure you are right with God? John gives us the answer.

Only those who walk in the light of God’s presence and have allowed the blood of Jesus to cleanse them from all sin have true fellowship with God. Those who say they are right with God but habitually walk in the darkness of sin are lying to themselves and not practicing the truth. But for the one who confesses his or her sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. These believers who choose to walk daily in God’s light, will not only have restored fellowship with God but with other believers as well.

It is important to think carefully about spending money even when you have a great coupon. But if you come home with a few extra bottles of unneeded Pepto Bismol it won’t be a major castrophe. On the other hand, when it comes to your relationship with God it is crucial to get it right. Do you really have fellowship with God . . . or do you only think you do? Your answer is a matter of eternal life or death.

Love,
Mama

Do you want to be sure you have fellowship with God? See God’s Free Gift.

Chasing Shadows

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1 John 1:5 “This is the message he has given to announce to you: God is light and there is no darkness in him at all”

IMG_2741Yesterday was the most beautiful day. The temperature was perfect. The sun was bright and cheerful. And the gentle breeze was inviting. I grabbed a blanket and joined Abigail on the recently cut grass to catch some rays.

As we lay basking in the sun we couldn’t help laughing. Cherokee, our German Shepherd, wasn’t interested in anything but chasing shadows. Every time someone would move their arm or body she would jump at the dark spot on the ground. What a crazy dog! Instead of enjoying the light of the sun, she was fixated on the shadows.

God is light. He doesn’t give light. He IS light! In Him there is no darkness at all. To have fellowship with God you must be walking in the light of His presence. And the only way to do this is to allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from your sin.

But there are many people who are fixated on shadows. They continue to live in spiritual darkness. Some think that they have no sin, but they are refusing to accept the truth and essentially calling God a liar. When the light of the Son shines on them it hurts their eyes and they choose to hide in the shadows rather than face their sin. But for those who accept what God’s light reveals, there is a way to be made right. He is faithful and promises to forgive and cleanse from every wrong all who come to Him.

This gift from God makes it possible for us to have fellowship with God and with each other.

The light of the sun is painful to the eyes when you are used to the dark. But when God forgives and cleanses you from all sin, then there is nothing like living in the light of His presence. It’s so much better than chasing shadows!

Love,

Mama

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

 

Healing for Yesterday, Assignment for Tomorrow

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John 21:15 “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'”
 
Everyone makes mistakes! Sometimes it is a lapse of judgment. Other times it is a deliberate choice. But each person has moments that he would like to forget.

One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, had numerous times when he probably wished he had stuck his foot in his mouth. He was a boisterous, loud, opinionated fisherman and it often got him into trouble. Probably the most excruciating experience for Peter was right before Jesus’ death.

Jesus predicted that all of His followers would fall away at the time of His death. He stated that the Old Testament foretold this in Zechariah 13:7. “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Big mouth Peter felt confident that even if everyone else would fall away, he would be faithful to the end. He insisted that even if he had to die with Jesus, he would never disown Him. Jesus gently informed Peter of the painful truth. That very night, before the rooster would crow twice ,Peter would deny that he even knew the Lord.

I wonder what Peter thought and felt when Jesus told him that? Did he think about it or disregard it as an impossibility? We will never know, but as the horrible evening progressed, we read that Peter did just as Jesus predicted. As he heard the cock crow for the second time that night his heart was broken with his disloyalty and cowardice.

After Jesus’ resurrection He appeared to many of the disciples. I especially love how Jesus made a special effort to speak to Peter. Three times he asked the heartbroken disciple if he loved Him ,allowing the opportunity for healing to take place. Then Jesus gave Him three assignments – feed His lambs, take care of His sheep, and feed His sheep.

Peter was a fisherman, so I wondered why Jesus told him to take care of sheep. As I studied more, I concluded it has something to do with the fact that when Peter had made His erroneous boast about following Jesus even to death, it was right after the Old Testament statement in Zechariah. “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.”

This made even more sense to me when I looked at the first verse of the first letter that Peter wrote some years later. It says, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia . . .” (1 Peter 1:1). Peter’s letters were written to encourage all of “God’s sheep” scattered throughout the world and suffering for their faith. Even today Peter’s inspired words have comforted many Christ-followers throughout the world who are enduring trials because of their faith.

As I looked at the progression of this disciple’s very colorful life I was encouraged. Yes, we will all make mistakes. We will all say and do stupid things once in a while. But

Jesus will never put us on the shelf if we come to Him for forgiveness. He will ask us how much we love Him, speak to our hearts in love, and bring healing for yesterday. Then He will give us an assignment for tomorrow.

Love,
Mama