Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

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

 

Becoming Strong Takes More Than A Can Of Spinach

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2 Timothy 2:1 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

This is the time of year when many Americans decide that they are going to get fit. We have just come through a time of celebration that included excess eating along with limited exercise, and most of us are feeling the effects. “Today is the day” has become a famous motto around our house, and healthy meals are on the menu to jumpstart our goal of becoming strong.

I am reminded of the well-known cartoon character, Popeye the Sailor Man. When I was young this popular character had only to squeeze open and eat a can of spinach to gain the strength needed to meet the task at hand. If Brutus, the big, bumbling nemesis, began to bother Olive Oyl, Popeye’s girl, out came the spinach. Within seconds Popeye’s biceps grew by inches and Brutus was a goner. This tough sailor knew what to do when trouble threatened.

While physical hardiness is important, there are other areas in which we must also be strong. While sitting in a prison cell waiting to die, Paul wrote a letter to his spiritual son, Timothy. Paul personally understood the strength needed to endure in the ministry of spreading the gospel. Many opposed the message of salvation and Paul had been the target of persecution and terrible treatment throughout his many journeys. In his final days on earth, this veteran missionary desperately wanted Timothy to understand and be prepared for all the struggles that lay ahead.

This needed strength would not come from strenuous exercises, bottles of vitamins, or even cans of spinach. This durability and courage would be attained by the grace found in Christ Jesus. Grace is often defined as undeserved favor from God on sinners. Part of that favor is the gift of a divine power to persevere and live the Christian life victoriously, no matter the circumstances.

In Paul’s time, as in our own, there were many who turned away from following after God when the going got tough. When threatened by enemies of the cross they lacked the power to fight and endure. If only they had remembered where their strength was found – in the grace of God – then they would have been capable of withstanding the enemy.

Living God’s way is not for cowards. Only fit and healthy Christians can be victorious despite the hardships and enemies that abound. Becoming spiritually strong takes more than a can of spinach. In the day of trouble find all the strength you need in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. “Today is the day!” It’s there for the taking.

Love,

Mama

Enriched!

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1 Corinthians 1:4-5 “I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge – because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”
 
Photo courtesy of Catherine Meekins

There comes a time in most peoples’ lives when they feel inadequate for a task. Whether it be a new job, a difficult class, or an uncomfortable relationship, the tentacles of ineptitude wrap around the mind and cause even the most confident to doubt their ability to perform. Even in the Christian’s life Satan can use this emotion to catch us unaware and paralyze us from doing what God has called us to.

There are many believers who don’t tell others about their faith because they feel they are not equipped.  “I don’t know what to say,” or “I don’t have enough Bible knowledge,” is often the excuse. What an encouragement it is to read that in Christ we have been “enriched” in every way!  Consider the truth of these words and be reminded that God can take the weakest of vessels and use them for His glory. In grace He has “enriched” us so that we have everything necessary to accomplish His will.

The dictionary defines enrich as “To supply with riches, wealth, abundant or valuable possessions; to supply with abundance of anything desirable; to add greater value or significance to.”

Don’t you just love the thought that God supplies you with all the riches and abundant wealth that belong to Him? Just knowing and belonging to Him adds greater value and significance to our lives. Though without Him we can do nothing, with His Holy Spirit living within us we are able to do ALL things through Christ Who gives us strength.

There will be times when we feel our knowledge is limited and our words are not sufficient, but God can take our weak attempts at speaking for Him and use them powerfully in the lives of those around us. He can take a simple testimony of His grace and multiply it through the power of the Holy Spirit so that the effect on others is greater than we could ever think or imagine.

Even the Apostle Paul claimed that he did not speak with eloquence or superior wisdom. He came to the Corinthian church with weakness, fear, and much trembling. His message of Jesus was not given with wise and persuasive words, but in demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that his listener’s faith would not rest on him but on God’s power.

The next time you feel that you should speak a word for God don’t let feelings of inadequacy and fear choke out your words. Remember, in Christ you have been “enriched” with all you need for the opportunity. What you consider faltering words may just be the very message someone needs to hear to come to Jesus!

Love,
Mama

 

I Wonder . . .

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Daniel 4:19a “Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him.”

Sweet Cousin Aletheia

Have you ever wondered why certain things happen and other things don’t? Why some people make good decisions and others don’t? Why certain individuals have a change of mind while others continue to grow hard-hearted? Why some circumstances bring about positive change and other experiences end badly? How could we, as humans, possibly know, but I wonder . . .

I started this wondering thing last week while reading about two very strong men. Pharaoh, the mighty king of Egypt who enslaved the children of Israel piqued my interest. This tyrant was so strong-willed and cruel as he drove God’s people mercilessly, forcing them to work hours on end without even providing the supplies they needed. When confronted by Moses with God’s command to “Let My children go!” Pharaoh continually refused. Through a series of ten plagues that moved from nuisance to devastation, Pharoah’s heart was hardened. Eventually his hard heart brought him to the Red Sea where God destroyed him and the whole army of Egypt.

In contrast, I thought about King Nebuchadnezzar. This was another strong and prideful king who had no regard for the true God of heaven. He treated God’s people poorly by besieging the city of Jerusalem and taking items from God’s house, along with some of the best and brightest young Hebrew men, to serve him in his country. He forced them to adopt his people’s heathen customs and dietary laws and to bow down to a golden image that he had made. When several brave young men refused, he had them thrown into a burning and fiery furnace only to be surprised that the fire didn’t touch them. In fact, he noticed that a fourth man, whom he recognized as divine, was walking in the fire with them.

Though this experience brought Nebuchadnezzar to a place of acknowledging the Most High God, he soon reverted to his heathen and prideful ways. As the story continues God brings a terrible experience upon this powerful man – he goes crazy and becomes like a beast of the field. After seven years of eating grass like cattle and living an inhuman existence, this wretched man lifted his eyes to heaven and submitted to the sovereign God of the universe. God restored his kingdom and the king’s words were ones of praise and worship.

But why did one man perish in hardness of heart while the other responded in humility and was restored?
I don’t really know the answer . . . but I do wonder . . .

Throughout the story of Nebuchadnezzar, there was another man always in the background. His name was Daniel, and he was known as a man of prayer. Three times a day he bowed before the God of heaven to pray and give thanks. God gave him visions. One time a mighty warrior angel even fought through evil forces to bring him an answer to his petitions. 

Through interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s terrible nightmare, Daniel warned the king of the judgment that was to come upon him. Though Nebuchadnezzar seemed unconcerned by the dream’s meaning, Daniel was appalled and terribly alarmed. I am sure this man of prayer returned to his home to speak to God about all his concerns. Since God’s desire is for his children to pray for their leaders, I believe Daniel spoke to God concerning this prideful king. Perhaps even as many as three times a day he brought the name of Nebuchadnezzar before his God. Though the prideful king did experience each of the awful points of his dream, the outcome was a blessing. He finally turned to God and his life was completely changed. 

Could it be that the effective and fervent prayers of a righteous man brought about the change? I wonder . . .

I don’t know all the answers about how and why God works in the lives of people. But I do know that God hears and answers the prayers of those who come to him in faith. Could our prayers make the difference in the outcome of even the most difficult of people? I wonder . . .

Love,
Mama 

Encouragement – A Ray of Sunshine

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Acts 11:23 “When he (Barnabas) arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”

Every once in a while we all need a little encouragement. No matter how good life is there will always be days when we wake up to raindrops pelting the window pane. The persistent pounding drives us under the covers, drenching our desire to “get up and go.” If only a ray of sunshine would smile through the clouds, our motivation to brave the weather would be revived.

Believers in Acts had been scattered from their homes as they faced persecution for their faith. As they traveled to cities such as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, they spread the message of Christ’s death and resurrection to those they met. Most of them shared the message only with Jews, but others began to share with the Greeks in Antioch. As they spoke, God’s hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 
I can only imagine the exhausting mixed emotions these believers were experiencing. They may have been homesick as they thought of their previous homes and distant family members they left behind. Possibly they were figuring out a new plan for living arrangements or financial stability. There may have been some fear that the persecutors would find them in their new homes and bring harm to their families. Yet in the midst of all this, they were experiencing elation at the privilege of sharing God’s message and seeing many come to the Lord. 
This mix of high and low emotions along with the exhaustion of working with new believers must have exhilarated as well as drained these followers of Jesus. When the news of the growing church reached Jerusalem, they sent the man surnamed Barnabas, or “Son of Encouragement,” to help them. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”

What a ray of sunshine Barnabas must have been to these hard-working men and women of faith! Barnabas recognized God’s work in Antioch and revitalized everyone with words of encouragement. His Spirit-filled life energized an already growing ministry and even more people came to the Lord. 
Everyone needs a Barnabas to step into their lives once in a while. When the clouds threaten rain and the energy level drops, sometimes a simple word of encouragement can keep one moving forward. You can be that ray of sunshine. Speak a word, write a note, send a text, share a smile – your encouragement may just be what gets someone out of bed in the morning!
Love,
Mama

My Life Verse

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1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

Me in my “growing” stage.

When I was a young teen I didn’t like myself very much. I felt that I was too tall, my feet were too big, I was too shy . . . you name it, I didn’t like it! 

It was about that time that I came upon today’s verse. Even as a young girl I recognized that God had made me the way I was and that by His grace my body and my personality were all gifts from Him. Yet, somewhere deep inside I wasn’t happy. It wasn’t that I blamed God. It was actually a relief to know that I was who I was because He made me that way and not because of my failing. 
I latched onto the next part of the verse that says, “. . . I worked harder than the rest of them . . .” I figured that was the key to changing how I felt about myself. I would work harder than anyone else to become what I thought I should be. 
Since I really couldn’t change my shoe size, I started trying really hard to develop my spiritual maturity and my personality. I read books like How to Win Friends and Influence People so that I would feel more comfortable developing relationships with people. I read my Bible and prayed often. Though I tried to work very hard at everything I did, there was still something missing.
It wasn’t until a number of years later that I really recognized the importance of the rest of the verse. The truth hit me – though it is important to work hard and do the right things, the apostle Paul was pointing out that our personal growth is not of our making, but through God’s grace and through His working in us. 
Working hard to read, pray, and learn are important disciplines that God uses to change us, but the actual change is not of ourselves. It is a work that only He can do in us as He puts us through tests of faith and circumstances through which we can choose to obey and trust Him.
I have come to love this verse more and more as the truth has penetrated my heart. I am glad that God made me the way I am. And though I still desire to work harder than anyone else in my own personal growth, I understand that He Who has begun a good work in me is the One Who will finish that good work by His grace.
Consider these things if you are unhappy with areas of your life. Remember that God saw you before you were even born and knit you together in the exact way that you could best serve Him. Work hard to seek Him, know Him, and obey Him. But remember that He is the One Who will do the hard work of growing you to be like Him.
Love,
Mama

Let the Celebration Begin

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1 Corinthians 13:7 “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (NLT)

Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son
His tired gray eyes scanned the horizon just as they had done time after time, day after day, for who knows how long. Ever since his youngest son had demanded his portion of the inheritance and took off to places unknown, this loving father had prayed and waited and watched. How many times had he heard a strange sound and run to the window to search the horizon for the familiar figure of his precious boy? He had lost count a long time ago.
At first he was sure the prodigal would quickly recognize the error of his ways and come running home, but as the weeks turned into months, his friends and other family members tried to prepare him for the worst. “It’s time to move on,” they would say. “You did your best, but he has chosen his path. Focus your attention on your oldest and put thoughts of the other behind you.”
But the Father would not give up or lose faith. Every day hope would blossom again in his chest like a crocus pushing its way through frozen soil on which the sun has cast its warm rays. He lifted another pleading prayer towards heaven and again scanned the

winding road for the answer to his constant petition.

As always, nothing but a breeze stirred the dust on the little traveled path. 
But wait! The gray-headed parent paused and cocked his ear to listen. His tender heart sensed more than heard the far off tread of timid feet. He turned his eager eyes once more towards the avenue leading to his farm and his great compassionate heart leaped in his chest. 
Without a thought for his arthritic limbs he started down the path as fast as he could go. He picked up speed as the approaching figure came clearly into view. The weight in his chest subsided. The potent stench of swine lingered in the air but only hastened the exuberant man’s mad rush. Upon reaching the lone figure he threw his arms around his neck and rejoiced. “I knew you would come! I never gave up hope!”
With bowed head the prodigal spoke, “‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” “Let the celebration begin!”
Love,
Mama