Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

The Voice and the Presence that Calms the Storm

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Mark 6: 50b “But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”

Jesus' Presence Calms the Storm

Jesus’ Presence Calms the Storm

Dear Kids,

There is not much that calms fear like the voice and presence of someone we love and trust. The panic of the lost child in a crowded shopping mall turns to tears of relief when he sees his parent’s face and hears the familiar voice. The distressed patient gains courage when his familiar doctor arrives at the hospital. And the child of God can face any storm if he knows Jesus rides in the boat. His presence calms the storm.

A Personal Scary Storm

Twenty-seven years ago I found myself in a very scary situation. I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant with Emily and developed some concerning symptoms. After numerous tests the doctor ordered a C-section. On the morning of November 18, 1993, a nurse strapped me to a gurney and left me completely alone in a cold and empty hospital hallway for what seemed like an eternity. I was frightened beyond belief as I waited for this surgery to bring my baby into the world and hopefully mitigate my alarming test results.

But I clearly remember the sense of relief I felt when I heard my doctor’s voice floating down the hallway. He arrived and squeezed my hand. I knew that, somehow, all would be well.

Jesus Walks on the Water and Calms the Storm

Jesus and His disciples had had an exhausting day. Crowds had followed them wherever they went. And even after crossing the sea in a boat to find a secluded spot, the people reappeared on the other side, clambering for more teaching and miracles. Finally, after feeding the 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish, Jesus sent His disciples out onto the lake again while He stayed to dismiss the crowds and spend solitary time praying.

The wind picked up very early in the morning, and as Jesus looked out into the lake He saw His disciples struggling to keep the boat on course. So He set out to come to them, walking on the water. The exhausted men screamed with terror because they supposed the apparition to be a ghost. Immediately Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished.”

Jesus’ Presence Calms the Storm

Is the wind whipping around you at this time in your life? Are you lost in a crowd, waiting for the results of a crucial medical test, or wondering how you will face the storm that is brewing on the horizon? There is no need to panic because you are not alone. If you look carefully through the mist and listen attentively for His voice you will hear your Savior’s comforting words, “Take courage, my child; it is I, do not be afraid!” Invite Jesus to ride in your boat. His loving and faithful presence will melt your fear into a peaceful calm.

Love,
Mama

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What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

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Jeremiah 17:9-10a “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart . . .” (NIV)

Dear Kids,

What's Really Behind Your Mask?

What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

We now live in a world where masks are an everyday reality. Every time you engage with someone – whether at work, school, or store – everyone wears a mask to protect themselves and others. But is this really very different than what has always been?

The other day I took my weekly grocery shopping trip into town. While in the store I ran into four people I thought I knew. I didn’t recognize any of them at first because half of their face was covered, but after scrutinizing their other physical characteristics, even one person’s sandaled feet, I realized they were acquaintances. It took some time and effort to recognize these individuals because I couldn’t see an important part of their face.

Creativity With Your Masks

Since the mandate to mask up, I’ve also noticed a wide variety of creativity. I’ve come across big toothy smiley faces, scary monster grimaces, animal snouts, and masks with various messages. Each of these is meant to draw attention to the wearer and evoke some sort of response, but no one really knows the true sentiment behind the cloth cover.

This may seem like a new and strange development in our COVID-19 world, but people have been masking up for years. Some of the seemingly happiest people I’ve known have struggled with debilitating depression within the recesses of their inner self. Other ultra-charismatic people sometimes have ulterior motives. Their smooth and well-timed words may be meant to induce the response they want from the hearer. What we initially see in people is not always the truth of their character.

God Sees Behind Your Mask

Although we can’t always discern what’s behind the masks people wear, there is Someone Who can. God is not fooled by a laughing face cover trying to disguise tears. Likewise, He never capitulates to smooth talk and calculated actions meant to use others for personal gain. He sees directly into the soul and discerns the deepest hurts and truest motives. This can be a scary thought if your heart is not right. But it is also very comforting when others don’t get you or understand your broken heart.

I’m sorry to say that for now it looks like masks are around to stay for a while. So keep your creative stash handy and available for all occasions. But while you must keep your mouth and nose covered for safety’s sake, be careful not to cover up the true sentiments of your heart. Friends and family may not always see the real you, but there is Someone who does. And not even a mask will fool Him.

Love,

Mama

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Facing the Unknown With Confidence

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Facing the Unknown With ConfidenceHaggai 2:4 “But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.’” 

Dear Kids,

Facing the unknown can be a scary prospect. The things we expect give a little bit of advantage because we can prepare. On the contrary, the unknown leaves plenty of room for speculation and fear. But facing the unknown with confidence is possible: it’s by remembering that no matter the circumstances, God’s children are never alone!

Facing the Unknown of Rebuilding the Temple

The book of Ezra relates the history of the rebuilding of God’s temple. The Jewish people had languished in exile for many years as a result of their sin. After a set time God kept His promise of restoration. A group had returned to Jerusalem and was starting to rebuild the city. Haggai prophesized during the period of time when Ezra, the priest, and Nehemiah were supervising the rebuilding of the walls, the city of Jerusalem, and the temple.

When the enemies of Judah heard that the exiles were rebuilding a temple for the God of Israel, they set out to stop the proceedings. They bribed the officials to work against them to frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, and down to the reign of Darius.

You can only imagine the fear God’s people felt as they faced unknown consequences of this project. And eventually the builders became so discouraged they halted the construction. But God in His mercy reached out to them.

Haggai’s Message of Encouragement

Through the prophet Haggai God sent a message of correction, encouragement, and hope to a group of people who had become so caught up in the fear of the unknown that they took their eyes off God and lost their courage.

“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.’”

What an incredible sense of comfort this message must have given God’s people in those uncertain times with those uncertain circumstances.

The nation took God’s words to heart and found the courage to continue the forgotten project of building the Temple. And on the third day of the month Adar, the sixth year of the reign of Darius, the returned exiles completed the temple reconstruction and the people rejoiced.

Facing the Unknown With Confidence

Each of us will also regularly face unknown circumstances. In fact, no one really knows what tomorrow holds. But God does not want us to be afraid. Just as He promised to be with the returned captives laboring over a huge project, so He promises to be with us.

So when you face the scary prospect of the unknown, just remember – no matter what lies ahead, God’s message is still the same: You can face the unknown with confidence because you are never alone!

Love,

Mama

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Where Does Your Help Come From?

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The LORD is my helperPsalm 121:1 “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where does my help come?”

Dear Kids,

Do you have a place you run to when your heart is overwhelmed and you are sick and tired of it all? I do.

My Peaceful Place

A number of years ago Dad and I discovered a quaint little inn smack dab in the heart of Amish country. It has become for me an oasis from all the pressing demands of every day life. I can always tell when there has been too much going on because I start dreaming of this place. The rolling hills scattered with black and white dairy cattle and the neat homesteads I can see from the porch swing on our room’s brick patio fill my mind with ever increasing frequency as the whirlwind of daily business threatens to undo me.

This weekend we again found ourselves relaxing in this peaceful place. Even now as I gently rock back and forth and feel the sun’s rays caressing my face, the every day stressors whisk away with the rustle of the wind in the line of trees blocking the road. The silence, broken only by a church bell tolling in the distance and the occasional clip clopping of a horse pulling an Amish buggy, soothes away the tension surrounding my heart and soul.

The Lord is My Helper

All of this provides the perfect setting for needed rest. But the biggest attraction by far is the absence of responsibility and distraction. This place helps me refocus my heart and mind on what sometimes is lost in activity. The Lord is my helper.  The quiet allows me again to hear His gentle voice.

“My daughter, I am always with you, even in life’s crazy hustle and bustle. I made the heaven and earth and I will not allow your foot to slip. I never sleep, so that you can. Because I am your keeper and the shade on your right hand I will protect you from all evil and keep your soul. I will guard your going out and your coming in while you are here in your safe spot and when you return home again to face the daily pressures of life. So, rest now, girl! I will never leave you nor forsake you and all the help you need comes from me.”

Yes, I really, really love this special place! But mainly because it affords me the peace and quiet to hear what I sometimes forget in the cacophony of everyday living.

What about you? Is your heart overwhelmed with burdens? Find a quiet spot, even if it’s in your bedroom with the door closed. Turn off all distractions and sit quietly for a while. The One you are longing for is there too. Soon you will hear His voice saying, “Lift up your eyes to me, My son, My daughter. I am with you every moment of every day and will provide the rest you need.  Everything in heaven and earth bows to my command and your help comes from Me.”

Love,

Mama

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How to Attain Unwavering Faith

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Psalm 26:1b “ . . . I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”

Dear Kids,

The Bible tells us numerous times that the righteous will live by faith, and that by faith the men of old gained approval. In today’s verse the Psalmist boasted that he had unwavering faith in the Lord. This is the kind of faith we must have too. But how does a person get it?

Do you have unwavering faith?

If you are like me, you would probably say you have faith that God is Who He says He is. You would also believe and profess that He keeps His promises. But sometimes when it comes down to real life experiences do you ever feel a little shaky in your understanding of all that’s happening around you? Do you ever wonder how the future is going to pan out regarding personal trials or even worldwide occurrences like COVID, elections, natural disasters and more?

I expect I am not alone in my swirl of emotions over various recent life events. But even when circumstances lend toward inner havoc how do we keep our heart and mind in the right place? How do we make sure we trust the LORD without wavering? The Psalmist gives some very timely thoughts.

Timely Thoughts About Attaining Faith

First, he asks God to examine and test his heart. Sometimes our emotional responses to the things around us lie. We would do well to continually request God to sort out what’s truth and what’s not. When He does, reject what is false and hold onto what is true and right.

Second, keep God’s lovingkindness before your eyes. Make this your mind’s focus instead of the unsettling details of circumstances. The great truths of God’s eternal love, mercy, and power will calm your heart and stabilize your faith.

Next, don’t sit with deceitful men or make company with evildoers. Surround yourself with those who will point you to God and encourage you in your walk of faith. Other believers will help keep you on the right path and to stand strong and unwavering.

Lastly, regularly recite how God has come through in the past. Declare His wonders to those around you. Your grateful words of thanksgiving and praise will be a needed reminder of God’s faithfulness. They will strengthen you and others as we walk this journey of faith together.

With God’s Help You Can Attain Unwavering Faith

The men and women of old were real people with real hardships just as we are. Yet they lived by faith. We are called to the same standard. So ask God to examine your heart, focus on His lovingkindness, surround yourself with the right people, and continually proclaim words of thanksgiving. Then, no matter your circumstances, your foot will stand on a level place. Like the Psalmist, you, with God’s help, can attain unwavering faith.

Love,

Mama

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The Secret Place of Security

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Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Dear Kids,

If I were to take a poll of basic human desires I am sure security would rank high on the list. Who doesn’t want to feel safe and secure in all circumstances? That is why change can be so scary. All of a sudden we find ourselves outside our comfort zone and uncertainty creates apprehension. What we need is a secret place of security!

Walls of Corn Create a Secret Place of Security

I really love field corn. Do you know why? There are many reasons, but the best is because every other year the farmer plants it around our property. As the season progresses the stalks grow and form a natural barrier around our house. And for a few months our property is hidden away in a secret place with only the path down the lane accessible.

In this hideaway we have extra privacy from the world around us. I can run outside in my bathrobe to grab something out of the car and no one can see me. I can dance on the kitchen porch without fear of feeling foolish. The path we mow around our fields becomes a corridor through which we can walk, talk, and pray privately. And if we don’t get the grass mowed in a timely manner the neighbors won’t know. Our personal space becomes a place of heightened safety and security in our minds. But then, in the fall, change occurs. The walls of corn come down and we are again exposed to the world around us.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always live behind a hedge of corn and experience the refuge it provides? While this particular time of the year creates comfort for me, it doesn’t last. It is also deceiving. Corn stalks can never provide the real world security we long for.

A Much Greater Refuge

Thankfully, as God’s children, we have a much greater source of protection and safety. Psalm 91 reminds us that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. The Lord is our refuge and fortress no matter where we live, regardless of our circumstances, and throughout all the unsettling changes of our lives.

He can deliver from deadly pestilence, protect from the snare of the trapper, and provide sanctuary during the day and night. He gives us into His angels’ charge, and they guard us in all our ways. These truths produce an incredible feeling of safety and security because they are based on the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father Who loves us and keeps His word.

So for a few more months I get to enjoy the peaceful comfort and sense of security our tall hedge of corn has provided us this summer. But I know that even when the combines lumber through the fields taking the crop down my security is assured. The reason? Because a true refuge will never truly be found behind a fortress of tall cornstalks. The basic human desire of security is only found in one place: the shelter of the Most High God!

Love,

Mama

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Where to Find a Never Failing Sense of Security

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Psalm 20:7 “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”

Dear Kids,

Where to find a never failing sense of security.

Emily and our Tennessee Walking horse, Sonny!

Where do you go to find safety and security? Many of us turn to friends, parents, or counselors, for comfort and wisdom in times of distress. Others rely on their bank account or their connections with rich or important people to create a sense of confidence or procure help in time of need. God has given us all of these blessings for companionship, love, and support during difficult times, but sometimes we forget that our greatest source of help and protection comes from God Himself.

Some Think Military Status Ensures Safety

In ancient times kings measured the strength of their armies by the number of their horses and chariots. The more they had, the safer they felt. Today nations are no different. The status of the military often determines the perceived security a country feels. During the 1980s when I was a young teenager I remember that our nation participated in an arms race with the Soviet Union. Presidents have emphasized the importance and necessity of a strong military and weapon system to keep ahead of other countries. By staying on top our government believed they could much better ensure the safety of our country and citizens.

A strong military is important, but even the strongest can’t protect against surprise assaults such as occurred on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked. No one knew this atrocity was coming and the people of the United States suffered huge losses in lives, businesses, buildings, and normalcy. Our sense of safety crumbled with the debris from the twin towers as they collapsed onto the New York City streets.

God is Our Constant Source of Help and Security

David, the writer of Psalm 20 was a powerful king. He had many enemies and participated in numerous wars. But this godly monarch recognized that the number of generals, horses, chariots and weapons he had could never be his source of security. His boast was only in the name of the Lord, His God. God delivered him from the fearsome giant, Goliath, when he carried only a sling and a stone. God protected him from the life-threatening schemes of jealous King Saul. And God would be David’s constant source of help and security throughout his whole life.

On what do you rely for safety and security? Is it your family, your finances, your country’s military, or your own ingenuity? None of these are failsafe. Like King David we must recognize that our boast should not be in all the people and earthly support systems we have at our disposal. Do not boast in horses or chariots. Instead boast of the security found in the name of the Lord, your God.

Love,

Mama

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Is God Really in Control?

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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

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My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

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1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him he will reject you forever.”

Dear Kids:

My heart dropped as I processed the bad news. After five months of living in a home disrupted by a January frozen pipe disaster, we were finally making headway on the kitchen remodel. The new appliances had arrived and I was excited for another step towards normalcy in our daily routine. But there was a problem! The bright, new, shiny stove fit snugly into its spot, but I couldn’t use it. Unbeknownst to me gas stoves fueled by propane need different parts than ones fueled by natural gas . . . and this stove had not been converted!

The Inner Workings of a Stove Matter

I immediately called the retailer where we had bought the stove to voice my frustration and was met with incredulity. “How could you not know you have propane? Don’t you have a tank in the back of your house?” the merchant scolded. Desperately, I tried to explain that I knew we employed propane fuel. But I had no idea there was any difference in a propane or natural gas stove.  If the outside looked good to me I just pushed a button, opened the door, and slid in the cake! The inner workings made no difference to me. But apparently now I knew they were crucial.

It’s not just the inner workings of gas stoves that are important. The inner character of individuals trumps all that we see on the outside.  Yet, we tend to judge people by the things we can observe without any real idea what is going on inside them. A shy, introverted individual may be judged as haughty or self-absorbed while they are really just timid and uncomfortable in their own skin. On the other hand, a charismatic and outgoing person may be estimated to be trustworthy while their sociable personality just masks a lack of integrity and ethics. It is dangerous to judge people only by their shiny exteriors.

God is Not Fooled By Polished Exteriors

King David gave some wise advise to his son, Solomon. “My Son, serve the Lord with your all your heart and mind, for the Lord knows if you are not genuine. He searches every heart and understands your thoughts and intentions. If you seek Him wholeheartedly you will find Him. But if you reject Him no amount of polished exterior will hide the truth and He will reject you.”

My new range appears quite sharp nestled between our rich cherry cabinets, but for all of its shiny exterior it will be useless until it is converted to be propane safe. I don’t believe I will make this mistake again.

I now know that the inner workings of stoves, like the inner traits of people, are what really matter. While I may not always fully understand the mechanics of either, nothing is hidden from God. He comprehends every thought and intention of the heart and outward trappings never take Him by surprise . . . not even the shiny exterior of a spanking brand new stove!

Love,
Mama

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The Resurrection – Life Giving, Life Changing, Incomparable Power

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Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms . . .”

The wind howled in the night sky shaking the metal roof panels above my bedroom that separated me from its fury. I shivered and pulled the covers up higher contemplating the awesome strength that swirled and whipped menacingly outside my window.

What fearsome power!!!

I prayed the left front portion of the roof of our tall farmhouse would hold – the part that already had a leak apparent by the water stains on Abigail’s bedroom ceiling. “We should have had that fixed already, ”I lamented, feeling quite helpless!

My sleep-deprived stream of thought, propelled by desperate prayer, suddenly shifted to another source of power. The Easter season upon us reminded me of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Creator of these raging winds outside the window harnessed even greater power when He awakened the lifeless body of His Son Who lay in the grave for three long days. Jesus Christ arose a victor over death itself and through faith all those who are spiritually dead can receive everlasting abundant life.

Now that is awesome power!!!

Not only this, the Apostle Paul prayed that God would reveal to all believers the access to this incredible power they inherit when they receive Christ as Savior. Paul deeply desired that God’s children know the incomparably great power of God– the very same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him with God in heavenly places – in their lives. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s working we receive whatever we need for life and godliness. We have a place to go with our concerns and a way to influence the lives of those around us who are suffering or still spiritually dead in their sins. We have access to the throne of God’s grace at every moment of the day or night.

The screaming winds, hoping to influence my now settling thoughts, taunted me even more by flinging the kitchen storm door against the adjacent window ledge with a loud crash. But somehow I didn’t feel as afraid. Nature’s fearful tantrum certainly had the strength to rattle our old house, but I found myself wrapped in peaceful comfort. Christ rose from the dead and the same incomparable power that brought Him out of the grave hovered, waiting for me to access it by faith.

I closed my eyes and one by one began to bring all my cares and concerns before the throne of God’s grace – the leaking roof, my grieving friends, my struggling neighbors – I confidently petitioned God on behalf of them all and felt certain that He would hear and powerfully answer.

Now THAT is life changing, life-giving, incomparable power!

Love,

Mama

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