Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

The Dangers of A Hidden Enemy

By Leave a Comment

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

Dear Kids:

Part of the Sheridan family standing on the North Bridge where the “shot heard around the world” changed history.

The most dangerous enemy is the one you can’t see. The British found this statement to be true on April 19, 1775. A professional battalion of red-clad soldiers marched confidently towards Concord, Massachusetts, where they intended to seize ammunition hidden by the town’s citizens.

A Hidden Enemy

Much to their surprise the regulars were met by a ragtag bunch of men and boys who were determined to defend their homes and possessions. These Minutemen occupied a hill near the North Bridge. Recognizing the danger, the British retreated back across the bridge. Gunfire was exchanged leaving a number of British soldiers dead. The first shot fired became known as “The Shot Heard Round the World”.  It is attributed to the beginning of the American Revolution.

During the British retreat more Minutemen, hidden in the roadside thickets, sprayed the fleeing soldiers with bullets. The unseen snipers caused great damage to the deflated and exhausted British regulars. Using these unconventional tactics the colonists secured the victory of the first battle of the American Revolution by outsmarting their professional military counterparts.

Satan’s Schemes

We have different tactics for war these days, but the world’s greatest danger is still a hidden enemy. The Bible names this adversary. Satan, a fallen angel and the first tempter of human kind, still desires to take down any who are ignorant of his schemes.

One of his “behind the thicket” strategies is to nurture a spirit of unforgiveness. We who have been forgiven so much by Christ are called to forgive those around us. But so often we hold onto our grudges. This only breeds bitterness, which can wound us even more than the initial offense. It also sabotages our relationships with others and with the Lord.

Hard though it may be, we must relinquish our desire to wound others back for the hurt they have brought to us. In so doing we allow God to deal with the offender in His own way and are protected from Satan’s deadly attacks.

Satan Uses Unforgiveness

By the time the exhausted British reached Boston the casualty count had reached upward of 200 men. The hidden Minutemen had won the day. But we are now on the other side of the battle. Our enemy, Satan, is the one hiding in the brush ready to attack when we are least aware.

Stay alert and keep your eyes open for any sign of unforgiveness in your life. Immediately relinquish the desire for revenge and release the offender to God’s perfect wisdom. You will render this particular scheme of Satan ineffective. Instead, he will be the one forced to retreat.

Love,

Mama

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

Is God Really in Control?

By Leave a Comment

Jeremiah 5:22-23 “’Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed.’”

Dear Kids:

Photo by Tyler Penner on Unsplash

Is God really in control? This is an age-old question recently asked again in light of devastating news events. The answer is yes, but there’s more to the question than meets the eye. 

God Controls the Ocean Waves

As a child I loved to watch the rolling waves hit the Jersey shore in a rhythmic pattern. Over and over the surf swept up onto the beach and then returned to its watery home. I would stand near the edge waiting for it to come and then try to race up higher onto the beach before it could catch me. Always the breakers pursued me for a certain distance, but then they grew tired and receded back into the ocean.

I had no idea what kept the waves from encompassing the whole beach, but the Bible gives insight into this phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah explains that the Lord placed the sand as a boundary for the sea and gave an eternal decree that the waves cannot cross over. Though they toss and roar they obey the Creator’s laws. They do not go beyond where they are allowed.

Jeremiah Contrasts the Mighty Sea With God’s People

Jeremiah contrasted the mighty sea with God’s own people. Powerful waves that in one fell swoop could wash away entire towns obey the Creator and submissively return in accordance with the Master’s word. Yet humans, made in the image of God and personally chosen to bear His image to the world, often have no fear of the Almighty and refuse to obey His laws. These ones foolishly ignore what is true and show no respect to the One Who halts the mighty ocean with only a beach of fine quartz particles.

The people of Jeremiah’s day used their fellow man for personal gain. They excelled in deeds of wickedness and ignored the cries of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Their prophets prophesied falsely; their priests ruled on their own authority, and all the people applauded. This is the way they wanted to live life.

But are we any better?

Is God Really in Control?

The recent shootings in El Paso and closer to my home in Dayton, Ohio, reveal that man’s heart is still far from God. We ignore God’s priority of protecting life and instead take life for no apparent reason. Anger, greed, and desire for revenge build up, finally culminating in disaster where many pay the consequences.

Is God really in control? He dominates the waves of the ocean, so why doesn’t He stop these horrible things? Doesn’t He care? He cares deeply but has given humans a free will. Sadly, unlike the ocean waves, we have chosen to rebel. All of the tragedies we suffer on this earth result from sin that entered the world when the first humans chose to disobey.

But there is hope! The Lord is still in control, and in time He will make all things right. Through Jesus Christ God has opened a way to restore all we have lost due to our sin natures and disobedience.

Those who embrace God’s gift of salvation receive a new heart and are delivered from the dominion of sin. For them there is a day coming when there will be no more rebellion, no more devastating shootings, no more tears or crying. In that day all creation will rejoice. Every knee will bow before the Creator. And all humanity, like the waves of the sea, will finally understand the fear of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

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

Our Foolish Attachments and How They Hinder Us

By 3 Comments

Jeremiah 2:28 “But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.”

Dear Kids: 

Our Foolish AttachmentsSometimes we hold on dearly to things that only weigh us down. It could be a relationship, an experience, our possessions, or any of various other things. While some of these may not necessarily be bad they may hinder us from something better. Other times the foolish attachments we hold tightly become idols that damage us and keep us from experiencing God’s blessing.

Foolish Attachments – Worthless Idols

Surrounding nations enticed God’s people into following their pagan customs and worshipping their foreign gods. It is baffling to think how so many could easily forget God’s provision and loving care and attach themselves to these worthless idols. Yet this blessed nation fell for such foolishness and participated in the sinful actions that accompanied these beliefs. The gradual decline resulted in complete rebelliousness. Before long the people had as many gods as they had cities.

Once hooked the people of Judah held tenaciously to the error of their ways. No amount of persuasion could turn them back. Yet when difficulties came, they thought they could call out to God for help.

But God’s response surprised them. He asked, “Where are your gods which you made for yourselves? Let them arise and save you in your time of trouble!” Of course, these worthless idols could not help for they were only made of wood and stone. They dishonored the Lord and hindered God’s people from receiving the help they needed in time of trouble.

Idols of Today

Before we judge these idol worshippers too harshly, what about us? Are there things we revere that hinder a vibrant relationship with our God? Are there objects we hold tightly and trust before the Lord?

Money becomes an idol when we value it highly and believe it will solve all our problems. But will a healthy bank account be able to save us if a huge tragedy strikes? Friends develop into idols if we turn to them with our problems before we ever bow our heads in prayer. But can friends help us solve every extreme need? Status turns out to be an idol when we find our self-worth only through the adulation of others rather than in our position in Christ. Does worldly status remain constant in a sinful world?

The people of Judah failed to see how their idols dishonored and separated them from the only One Who could truly love them and help them in their times of trouble. But we still have the opportunity to mend our ways.

So, carefully consider the things you hold dear and decide whether they are weighing you down. Then turn away from any foolish attachments and personal idols and turn your face to the Lord. This is the only way to find freedom and experience the blessings He has prepared for you!

Love,
Mama

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

Confession and Cleaning Out the Grease Trap

By Leave a Comment

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

By 2 Comments

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

By 1 Comment

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!

Save

Be Quiet, Sit Back, and Rest

By 2 Comments

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

By Leave a Comment

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.

img_3361

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

Save

Save

The World Needs a Power Washer

By Leave a Comment

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?

By Leave a Comment

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.